Workers can be exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMF). New technological developments have occurred in the past ten years, for example in wireless communication, energy generation and transport. This may have resulted in changes in EMF exposure in the workplace. RIVM has surveyed these developments. It is important that employers include these developments in the health and safety policy of their company.
Overview of technological developments
In the past few years, new developments have led to an increased diversity in EMF sources in the workplace. Examples are the energy sector and welding, where the use of converters has increased, or the transport sector, where electric transport and radar detection have been introduced. This may change the type of EMF sources to which workers are exposed. For these new sources too, employers should take care that statutory exposure limits are not exceeded.
Attention to safety in the workplace
With this overview, RIVM calls for renewed attention to EMF exposure in the workplace. It is important that employers include new EMF sources in the health and safety policy of their company. Policymakers can use this overview to determine if it is necessary to adjust information about EMF sources.