INVESTIGATIONS CONDUCTED AMONG FINNISH RADIATION WORKERS IN 2004-13 AND THEIR EFFECT ON THE RECORDED INDIVIDUAL DOSES

Area of Science:

• Radiation Protection
• Occupational Health
• Dosimetry

Background:

• Dose assessments in radiation work require verification or replacement in cases of questionable reliability.
• Investigations into dose assessments are conducted by the Radiation and Nuclear Safety Authority (STUK), individual monitoring services (IMS), and radiation practice operators (undertakings) in Finland.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review all investigations conducted on Finnish radiation workers between 2004-13.
• To determine the usefulness of these investigations by analyzing their number, reasons, and findings.
• To describe the impact of these investigations on recorded doses and radiation protection practices.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive review of all dose assessment investigations conducted in Finland from 2004 to 2013.
• Analysis of data from the STUK, IMS, and undertakings.
• Evaluation of the effects of investigations on individual doses and work environment radiation protection.

Main Results:

• The number, reasons, and findings of investigations varied significantly among the STUK, IMS, and undertakings.
• The study details the impact of these investigations on recorded individual doses.
• Changes in working methods and radiation protection measures were documented.

Conclusions:

• Investigations play a crucial role in ensuring accurate dose assessments for radiation workers.
• Understanding the reasons and outcomes of these investigations is vital for optimizing radiation protection strategies.
• The findings provide insights into the effectiveness of different parties in conducting and utilizing dose investigations.