It was shut following a inspection on Friday (18/10) after the department received a complaint, departmental spokesperson Teboho Thejane confirmed.

Inspectors discovered water leakages posing a significant threat, as contact with exposed electrical wires could result in serious harm or fatalities. Consequently, the Department of Health’s Forensic Pathology Services were issued with a prohibition notice in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The department also issued notices for failure to ensure a proper ventilation system in the post-mortem room; risking exposure to harmful bio-aerosols; failure to identify and mitigate hazards associated with pathological services; and a sewage blockage caused by post-mortem discharge, contributing to unsafe working conditions.

The extent of the violations necessitated the issuance of four prohibition notices, said Provincial Chief Inspector Manelisi Luxande, adding the department would not “gamble” with the health and safety of workers or the public.

Thejane said the facility would remain closed until the Free State department of health addresses the occupational health and safety concerns raised during the inspection. The department was expected to release a statement on the situation.

‘Barely half of country’s state mortuaries met inspection standards’

Earlier this year, it was reported barely half of the country’s state mortuaries met inspection standards, highlighting the grim conditions under which staff conduct autopsies and relatives are required to identify bodies.

In a reply to questions by the DA in parliament, Health Minister Joe Phaahla revealed that only 62 of SA’s 118 forensic pathology units or state mortuaries, were awarded certificates of competence, reported Business Day.

Broken fridges, unhygienic working conditions and poor medical waste management were among the reasons given for 46 sites failing to reach the grade. Inspection results were not available for 10 of the units.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg