Beyond Radiation Exposure: Occupational Health Challenges Across the Modern Radiology Workforce

Radiology occupational safety has historically centred on radiation protection. Although radiation safety remains essential, the digital transformation of imaging has expanded the occupational-health profile of the radiology workforce. Diagnostic radiologists now spend prolonged periods at PACS workstations; radiographers and reporting staff work in display-dependent environments; sonographers are exposed to sustained scanning postures and forceful transducer use; and interventional radiology teams face procedural ergonomic stressors related to standing posture, monitor position, table height, and personal protective equipment. This narrative review synthesizes evidence on musculoskeletal strain, digital eye strain, environmental design, circadian disruption, burnout, and emerging effects of artificial intelligence in radiology work environments. The available evidence is largely cross-sectional, survey-based, or extrapolated from broader occupational-health literature, with fewer longitudinal or intervention studies. Accordingly, causal claims should be interpreted cautiously. We propose a broader occupational-safety framework in which radiation protection is preserved while ergonomic, visual, environmental, organizational, and cognitive risks are addressed as complementary priorities. Practical interventions include evidence-informed workstation configuration, diagnostic display standards, sonography-specific ergonomic practices, interventional suite optimization, structured microbreaks, daylight-aware reading-room design, and institutional strategies to reduce excessive workload and burnout. Future research should evaluate whether these interventions improve health outcomes, diagnostic performance, absenteeism, retention, and long-term professional sustainability.