Determination and assessment of the risks in terms of occupational health and safety in forensic toxicology studies of forensic science

Forensic toxicology, which is one of the sub-branches of forensic sciences, plays an important role in the elucidation of cases by utilization the science of toxicology and its principles in legal fields. In most cases that have been referred to the judiciary, it is very important to conduct toxicological analyzes of biological materials taken from living or dead persons and other materials that are evidence from the point of view of the investigation. In the process from the beginning to the end of the investigation, many employees are exposed to biological, chemical, physical, psychosocial and ergonomic risk factors arising from materials that are evidence-based and the working environment in which toxicological analyzes are performed. The aim of this study is to contribute the literature with a written source including the precautions that should be taken against the risk factors which will guide forensic toxicology laboratories located in a very dangerous class, indicating the importance of occupational health and safety. The method of this study is to determine the hazards that may be encountered in terms of occupational health and safety in forensic toxicology laboratories and to evaluate the risks specific to the studies conducted in forensic toxicology laboratories in order to enable employees in this field to work in a healthier and safer environment. In this context, the risk assessment of the forensic toxicology laboratories located in the Turkey Ministry of Justice, Council of Forensic Medicine, Chemistry Department of Adana was carried out by the Fine-Kinney method. Also semi-structured questionnaire is applied by face to face interview, using a negotiated on a voluntary basis consisting of 60 participants with the contribution of his work in the field of forensic toxicology studies as autopsy technicians, biologists, chemical technicians, chemists, chemical engineers, doctors, principal registry employee, cleaning staff in the province of Adana and Mersin. The semi-structured questionnaire is applied as appropriate, regarding occupational health and safety attitudes, opinions and suggestions to the participants were received. Keywords: Occupational health and safety, Forensic toxicology, Risk assessment