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Radiation exposure a concern for health care workers

On Behalf of | Sep 16, 2019 | Workers' Compensation

Radiation exposure can be a serious concern for many New Jersey workers, including people working in the health care industry. Doctors and radiology technicians are exposed to radiation on a daily basis, and even people in lucrative, highly paid and specialized positions need to be alert to the potential effects of radiation exposure. Everyone experiences some radiation through daily life and devices like mobile phones and microwaves. Occupational exposure is different, however; it usually involves short-wave radiation carrying higher energy levels and capable of disrupting cells. Exposure to this type of radiation on the job can increase workers’ risk of developing cancer over time.

Low exposure carries a lower risk, and most modern medical equipment is engineered to provide protection for workers, technicians, professionals and physicians as well as patients. However, exposure to radiation may add up over time, and occupational disease caused by exposure may only become apparent years down the line. Dosimetry can be an important part of measuring exposure and ensuring that individual workers do not exceed the cumulative guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Dosimetry systems usually involve workers wearing badges that are sensitive to radiation. These badges provide readings about the dose received by the worker at any given time.

This information is captured and stored, producing a long-term record of exposure for any particular profession. In most cases, people wear dosimetry badges for a specified period of time on the job before sending them off for a reading. In some cases, people may wear the badges every day.

Radiation exposure can be a serious concern for professionals in some sections of the health care industry. Workers who are experiencing illness as a result of radiation exposure on the job or another workplace injury may consult with a workers’ compensation attorney for assistance in seeking compensation.

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