In a typical work setting, coroners:
Interpersonal Relationships
- Communicate with others on a daily basis by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also write letters and memos, but less frequently.
- Have a medium to high level of social contact.
- Are sometimes placed in conflict situations in which others may be angry or unpleasant.
- Often work as part of a team.
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- Are responsible for the work done by those they supervise.
- Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
Physical Work Conditions
- Work indoors in offices and labs. Occasionally work outdoors when examining the site where a body was found.
- Are regularly are exposed to diseases or infections. As a result, they wear protective and safety attire, such as gloves and masks.
- Sometimes are exposed to contaminants.
- May be exposed to hazardous equipment.
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- Come into close physical contact with corpses.
- Are often exposed to cold temperatures.
Work Performance
- Must be very exact in their work and be sure all details are done correctly. Errors could have serious results because their findings can be used to convict people of crimes.
- Often make decisions that greatly impact others, including their employer and the relatives of the deceased.
- Usually make decisions independent of others.
- Set some, but not all, of their daily tasks and goals without consulting others first.
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- Must meet daily and weekly deadlines.
Hours/Travel
- May work part time or full time.
- May be on-call to visit crime scenes any time of the day.
- Travel to the site of a death.