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In a litigation-prone society, it is prudent for any business to evaluate its potential exposure to legal action, initiated by either an employee or a member of the general public. This potential is exacerbated when the phobia of radiation exposure and radioactive materials is interjected into the equation. This phobia is fueled by the perceived risks of radiation exposure, whether fact or fantasy. With the current cancer incidence rate being approximately 1 in every 2.5 individuals (for all types of cancer), it is imperative that all facilities take a proactive look at their business vulnerability to avoid potential liability or even litigation that may arise from not.
The Importance of Documentation and Records Management
Documentation and proper records management is a critical factor of dosimetry monitoring and a significant amount of effort should be expended to implement a comprehensive records management system. A comprehensive Radiation Dosimetry Management Program is vital to any business when mitigating any regulatory or legal action. A reputable dosimetry company can ensure accurate and safe record keeping and the following should be considered:
- Records are essential for any litigation disposition and mitigation;
- They provide legal documentation of the actions taken which contributed to the establishment of a dose record;
- Records identify positive or negative trends which determine if a change to the operating process has occurred;
- They facilitate re-creation of a dose record; and
- Records promote a "paying attention to details" attitude among radiation workers, radiation protection and dosimetry processing staff, and management.
Records Quality Assurance will ensure that the facility can document what actions were involved that led to an exposure to radiation or radioactive materials. Such a program will also be very helpful in mitigating a potential litigation case, where a significant amount of dollars are at stake and, more importantly, the public's perception of your company in court and in the media.
Performing Regulatory Investigations
Radiation Safety Officers (RSOs) sometimes face situations in which personnel dosimetry estimates are required after dosimeters issued to radiation workers (film or TLD badges, extremity dosimeters, etc.) are lost or damaged before processing. While performing an investigation, RSOs need to make sure to interview the affected worker, his co-workers and their supervisor. The objective of these interviews is to obtain as much information as possible and help in determining accurate dose estimates.
Developing aids such as forms and procedures can facilitate this process and ensure that important information is not omitted. A reputable dosimetry service company can assist with investigations and ensure accurate collection of the appropriate information.
The investigation report, when completed, should be reviewed with the individual, and, ensure that the individual's signature is obtained, documenting their concurrence with the investigation, and, the dose to be assigned. This is critical in the event of regulatory intervention, and/or litigation.
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