TY - JOUR
T1 - Electromagnetic field exposure in power plants
T2 - a qualitative assessment of work safety perceptions among employees
AU - Stege, Thomas A.M.
AU - Bolte, John F.B.
AU - Claassen, Liesbeth
AU - Timmermans, Danielle R.M.
PY - 2020/4/8
Y1 - 2020/4/8
N2 - Electromagnetic fields, or EMF, are ubiquitous in our daily life. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) are generated by any device using electric current. Especially in workplace situations involving MRI scanners, welding equipment, induction heaters, and power plants, they are known for potentially high field strengths. These high field strengths may lead to adverse health effects if insufficient preventive measures are in place. This study investigates employees’ perceptions on work safety regarding EMF exposure. We held 15 semi-structured interviews in three different (non-nuclear) power plants in the Netherlands. We found that power plants in this study made ample use of fences and warning signs where needed, creating a safe working environment. Nevertheless, some workers perceive that there are vague regulations, organizational issues and lack of clarity on the properties of EMF. Participants also indicated that there is some room for improvement with respect to work safety meetings on EMF. Employees want to be informed about EMF and its potential health effects and mitigation methods, but their information need is limited and straightforward. A simple warning system, along with safety information on paper, may be sufficient.
AB - Electromagnetic fields, or EMF, are ubiquitous in our daily life. Extremely low frequency magnetic fields (ELF MF) are generated by any device using electric current. Especially in workplace situations involving MRI scanners, welding equipment, induction heaters, and power plants, they are known for potentially high field strengths. These high field strengths may lead to adverse health effects if insufficient preventive measures are in place. This study investigates employees’ perceptions on work safety regarding EMF exposure. We held 15 semi-structured interviews in three different (non-nuclear) power plants in the Netherlands. We found that power plants in this study made ample use of fences and warning signs where needed, creating a safe working environment. Nevertheless, some workers perceive that there are vague regulations, organizational issues and lack of clarity on the properties of EMF. Participants also indicated that there is some room for improvement with respect to work safety meetings on EMF. Employees want to be informed about EMF and its potential health effects and mitigation methods, but their information need is limited and straightforward. A simple warning system, along with safety information on paper, may be sufficient.
KW - EMF
KW - Electromagnetic fields
KW - Power plants
KW - Risk communication
KW - Risk perception
KW - Work safety
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85083498092&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2020.1750459
DO - https://doi.org/10.1080/13669877.2020.1750459
M3 - Article
SN - 1366-9877
JO - Journal of Risk Research
JF - Journal of Risk Research
ER -