Safety Precautions for Handling Human Remains

Employers and workers face a variety of health hazards when handling or working near human remains. Those directly involved in recovery or other efforts that require the handling of remains are susceptible to bloodborne viruses (hepatitis and HIV) and bacteria that can cause diarrheal diseases (shigella and salmonella). Follow the recommended guidelines by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in order to remain safe.

General Protections

• Hand Protection: When handling potentially infectious materials, use appropriate hand protection, including latex or nitrile gloves. These can be worn under heavy-duty gloves that protect you from cuts, puncture wounds or other injuries that could break the skin (from sharp, environmental debris or bone fragments). A combination of cut-proof inner layer gloves and a latex or similar outer layer will ensure that you are adequately protected.
• Foot Protection: Wear occupational footwear to protect against sharp debris.
• Eye and Face Protection: To protect your face from splashes of body fluids and fecal material, use a plastic face shield or a combination of eye protection (indirectly vented safety goggles) and a surgical mask.
• Hygiene Recommendations: Maintain hand hygiene to prevent the transmission of diarrheal and other diseases from fecal materials on your hands. Also, wash your hands with soap and water or with an alcohol-based hand cleaner immediately after removing your gloves.
  • Give prompt care to any wounds sustained during work with human remains, including immediately washing your skin with soap and clean water. You should also be vaccinated for hepatitis B and get a tetanus booster, if needed.
  • Do not wear personal protective equipment (PPE) and any underlying clothing if it has been damaged or penetrated by bodily fluids.
  • Always disinfect your vehicles and equipment after the workday is over.

Are You at Risk?

There is no direct risk of infectious disease from being near human remains for those who are not directly involved in the recovery or other efforts that require handling. If you are walking by or working in the vicinity, it is not necessary for you to adhere to the precautions mentioned above.

This safety matters flyer is for general informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical or legal advice. © 2009-2010, 2014, 2019 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.