Cemetery Safety and Risk Management: A Guide for Modern Cemetery Professionals

CST Cemetery Safety & Risk Management

Cemeteries are more than peaceful resting places—they’re active workplaces where safety is critical.

At first glance, a cemetery may appear calm and low-risk. But for the professionals maintaining the grounds, supporting families, and managing burials, it’s a complex environment filled with potential hazards. From heavy equipment to chemical handling, effective safety and risk management is essential—not just for compliance, but for protecting people, property, and your reputation.

Why Cemetery Safety Matters

A proactive safety culture reduces injuries, boosts employee morale, and lowers liability. Whether you're part of a private cemetery or a municipal system, safety policies are key to smooth, respectful, and responsible operations.

Benefits of a strong safety program include:

  • Reduced workplace injuries and insurance claims
  • Lowered liability and legal exposure
  • Better team retention and morale
  • Enhanced trust with families and your community

Common Cemetery 

Hazards

Cemetery professionals face risks that range from environmental to mechanical. Some of the most common include:

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

Uneven ground, open graves, wet grass, ice, and snow make walking hazardous year-round.

2. Equipment and Vehicle Use

Excavators, mowers, backhoes, and dump trucks require training, maintenance, and safe usage practices.

3. Chemical Exposure

Fertilizers, herbicides, and grave liner cleaners must be stored and used according to label instructions and PPE guidelines.

4. Monument Handling and Burial Vaults

Heavy lifting and improper support can lead to crushed fingers, back injuries, and damaged property.

5. Weather Conditions

Sun, heat, rain, wind, and snow each bring safety concerns—especially for outdoor workers over long shifts.

5 Steps to Manage Cemetery Risk

Taking a proactive approach can protect both your staff and the families you serve. Here’s how to build a cemetery-specific safety program:

1. Conduct Regular Safety Audits

Inspect burial areas, equipment storage, visitor walkways, and work zones weekly. Log any hazards and take corrective action promptly.

2. Create a Cemetery Safety Plan

Develop a written safety program including:

  • Emergency Action and Fire Safety Program
  • Bloodborne Pathogen Exposure Control Program (if necessary)
  • Hazard Communication Program and Certified Safety Data Sheets
  • Respiratory Protection Program (if necessary)
  • Personal Protective Equipment Program
  • Spill Response Program (if necessary)
  • Slips, Trips, and Falls Program
  • Ladder Safety Program
  • General Cemetery Safety
  • Excavation, Trenching and Confined Space Safety Program
  • Lockout / Tagout Program (if necessary)
  • Scissor Lift Safety Program
  • Power Hand Tools Safety Program
  • General Safety Checklist

3. Offer Ongoing Staff Training

Cover topics such as:

  • Safe grave digging and backfilling
  • Equipment operation
  • Chemical safety (with SDS access)
  • First aid and CPR

4. Use Clear Signage and Communication

Mark hazardous zones, limit access to open graves, and clearly identify chemical storage areas. Use radios or apps to keep teams connected in the field.

5. Encourage Incident Reporting

Create a no-blame culture where near-misses and hazards are reported quickly. This helps prevent future incidents and builds accountability.

Going Beyond Compliance

Even if your cemetery isn’t directly regulated by OSHA, voluntary compliance with industry best practices shows leadership. Risk reduction isn’t just about checkboxes—it’s about values.

At Certified Safety Training, we believe safety is a service. It protects your people, your mission, and your community. And in a space as sacred as a cemetery, that commitment matters.

Need help building a safety plan for your cemetery team?
Contact Certified Safety Training to learn more about our cemetery-specific training, audits, and compliance resources.

Back to blog