We encounter electromagnetic fields, usually shortened to EMFs, every day without giving them much thought. However, in the workplace certain equipment can produce considerably stronger fields than those encountered in your average domestic or office environment. For most people working around ordinary electrical equipment, exposure is unlikely to present a health risk. The situation changes when employees work close to equipment generates powerful fields.
Why can electromagnetic fields be dangerous?
Depending on the frequency and intensity, exposure to electromagnetic fields can stimulate nerves or sensory organs, produce shocks or heating effects and cause temporary sensory disturbances such as nausea, vertigo or flickering sensations in peripheral vision. Strong magnetic fields can also interfere with medical devices, while ferromagnetic objects can be attracted towards powerful magnets and become projectiles.
How can EMF exposure affect individuals?
The effect of an electromagnetic field depends on its frequency, strength and the duration and circumstances of exposure. At lower frequencies, sufficiently strong fields can induce electrical currents in the body and stimulate nerves or sensory organs. This can produce sensations such as tingling, dizziness or visual effects.
At higher frequencies, the principal established concern is heating. If exposure is sufficiently high, electromagnetic energy can be absorbed by body tissue and cause a rise in temperature. The regulations therefore establish different limits depending on the frequency and whether the concern is a sensory or health effect.
This distinction matters because experiencing a temporary sensory effect does not necessarily mean that tissue has been harmed. A worker experiencing dizziness or visual disturbances may nevertheless be placed at greater risk if the effect causes them to lose concentration while operating machinery, working at height or handling hazardous materials.
For this reason, workers should report unusual symptoms or sensory effects associated with particular equipment or working areas. They should not simply assume that feeling unwell is an unavoidable part of the job.
How can employers protect workers?
Managing EMF exposure begins with understanding where the fields are coming from. Employers should identify equipment and processes that could produce significant fields and consider the frequency, strength, duration and pattern of exposure.
Increasing the distance between workers and the source can significantly reduce exposure. Employers can also consider alternative equipment or working methods, shielding, screening, interlocks, restricted access and new workplace layouts. Limiting the duration of exposure can also form part of the control strategy.
Regulations require employers to eliminate or reduce identified risks as far as reasonably practicable and to provide workers with relevant information and training. Workers should understand where significant EMF sources are located, what precautions are required and how to recognise and report sensory or health effects.
Personal protective equipment may have a role in some circumstances, but it should not automatically be regarded as the first solution. Engineering and organisational controls that reduce exposure at source are generally preferable.
Employers may choose to partner with an occupational health organisation to implement health surveillance. This involves regular health checks to identify the early signs of illness in their workforce, which can help employers protect the health of their employees and adjust their controls in real time.
Managing EMFs is about understanding the risk
Electromagnetic fields are an ordinary part of modern working life. They are produced by equipment found in workplaces across the country. For most workers, exposure will be well below levels capable of producing adverse effects.
The concern arises where powerful sources create significantly higher fields, particularly when employees work close to them. In these circumstances, employers need to understand the assess exposure and put proportionate controls in place.
With a suitable risk assessment, sensible controls and good communication between employers and workers, electromagnetic fields can be managed as part of a wider programme of occupational health and workplace safety.