Story perspectives

Undertaker Dies in Accident with Faulty Coffin Trolley

3/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Sally Blundell, 58, an undertaker, died December 1, 2023, at East of England Co-op Funeral Services in Swaffham after a coffin-lifting machine crushed her.
An inquest found the death accidental.
Coroner Yvonne Blake noted a fault in the hydraulic trolley and is considering a report to the manufacturer.
The East of England Co-op Funeral Services confirmed they no longer use this type of trolley.

History

Historical Context

In 2003, OSHA implemented stricter workplace safety regulations to reduce accidents across industries. Despite these efforts, incidents persist, as highlighted by the tragic death of Sally Blundell, which raised concerns about equipment reliability. This incident underscores the ongoing need for improved safety standards and manufacturer accountability to prevent future workplace fatalities, reflecting a broader trend in workplace safety evolution since the 1970s.

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Story summary

Sally Blundell, 58, an undertaker, died December 1, 2023, at East of England Co-op Funeral Services in Swaffham after a coffin-lifting machine crushed her.
An inquest found the death accidental.
Coroner Yvonne Blake noted a fault in the hydraulic trolley and is considering a report to the manufacturer.
The East of England Co-op Funeral Services confirmed they no longer use this type of trolley.

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