Ill. labor agency investigates Cook County morgue

CHICAGO — The Illinois Department of Labor is investigating complaints about "worker safety issues" at the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Labor spokeswoman Anjali Julka says the department got a call this month about issues at the morgue, but she wouldn't provide more details.

She says the agency has gotten five complaints about the morgue since 2010. No details on those investigations were released.

Cook County's inspector general is also investigating the office amid reports that a large number of bodies were stacked up there.

Officials say coolers meant to house 300 bodies recently held 363. They said recent burials have reduced that number closer to 300.

County board President Toni Preckwinkle announced an overhaul of the morgue Thursday, including a reorganization of senior management and the creation of new positions.