Health physics technician injury reduction

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Human Factors and Ergonomics
• Industrial Hygiene

Background:

• Health Physics Technicians (HPTs) at Hanford exhibit high occupational injury rates.
• A multidisciplinary team was formed to investigate causes and implement corrective actions for HPT injuries.
• Previous assessments identified significant risks linked to the man-machine interface, particularly survey instruments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify the root causes of high injury rates among Health Physics Technicians (HPTs).
• To develop and recommend corrective actions focusing on improving the work environment, procedures, and human factors.
• To address the critical need for ergonomic design in health physics instrumentation.

Main Methods:

• Review and characterization of occupational injuries and illnesses specific to HPTs.
• Assessment of factors impacting HPT health, including field evaluations and task analyses.
• Solicitation of field input and collaboration with medical and industrial hygiene personnel.

Main Results:

• Five key areas requiring immediate improvement were identified: man-machine interface, work environment, procedures, personnel, and communication.
• Lack of ergonomic design in survey instruments was identified as a major risk factor, leading to cumulative trauma disorders.
• Ergonomics training, procedural changes, and instrument modifications have been initiated.

Conclusions:

• Ergonomic redesign of health physics instrumentation and survey techniques is a critical initiative to reduce HPT injuries.
• Ongoing efforts include vendor collaboration, seeking industry feedback, and implementing changes in survey practices.
• The initiative demonstrates long-term commitment and broad support within the Hanford HPT community for improved safety and health outcomes.