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)