With more than 10 million Chinese working in environments that
contain sources of natural radiation, the Ministry of Health (MOH)
plans to fine institutions that fail to provide health checks for
workers.
In a draft proposal to improve the health management of workers
working near radiation sources, institutions will be forced to pay
fines of 30,000 to 100,000 yuan (US$3,750 to12,500) if their
workers have no regular health checks or incur serious health
problems due to working in a radiation-rich environment.
Aircraft crew and miners working for coal mines, non-ferrous
mines and the like are at risk of exposure to high doses of
radiation. The proposal has been revised four times since 2004 and
will be further revised after soliciting opinions from industrial
circles.
Health authorities said it is the first time that radiation
workers as well as companies exposed to natural radiation sources
have been included in a health management plan.
(Xinhua News Agency August 23, 2006)
