Assessment criteria of individual occupational risks in nuclear industry employees

Abstract

Relevance: In the concept of long-term development of social and economic policy of the Russian Federation, the problem of preservation and strengthening of employees' health is given a top priority and requires improvement of the citizen health protection. Risk assessment and, in particular, occupational risk assessment is part of the process that includes probability analysis of dangerous events for employees' health and decision-making about the necessity of risk reduction. The principles of prevention and constant improvement of the assessment system and occupational risk management in accordance with the Concept of demographic policy of the Russian Federation have determined the relevance of this research. Purpose: To assess individual occupational risks in employees based on regular medical examination data and obligatory psychophysiological tests. Methodology: Due to the absence of professional diseases associated with the exposure to ionizing radiation and a low level of work-related injuries at high-tech nuclear enterprises, it is not reasonable to consider current indicators of occupational risk and working conditions while assessing individual occupational risks. Classes of working conditions in terms of harm and danger, the employee's health group, the presence of work-related diseases and the level of allostatic load are sufficient for practical assessment. Results and analysis: The article presents the formula for calculating the allostatic load index based on the psychophysiological examination data, which are mandatory for periodic medical examinations of nuclear industry workers. A one-dimensional multi-parameter indicator and critical rules to assess employee health loss were developed, along with a regression model to forecast the employee health loss by classes of working conditions. The risk matrix was developed to assess the individual occupational risks. Conclusion: For the high-tech nuclear industry, where the safety culture is monitored at the enterprises in accordance with the IAEA recommendations, the classes of working conditions in terms of harm and danger, the employee's health group, the group of work-related hazards and the level of allostatic load are sufficient for practical assessment of individual occupational risks.