When it comes to workplace hazards, there’s more than appears on the surface. You may worry about slip and fall hazards, dangerous machinery, electrocution, and fire risks to your workers. However, the danger of radon exposure cannot be undermined, considering it causes 9% to 13% of lung cancer cases in the US. The worst part is that the gas is hard to detect because it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless.
According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) statistics, nearly one in 15 American homes has a concerning radon level. Schools and business buildings are also at risk, posing danger to the occupants of these buildings. As a business owner, you should pay attention to this invisible hazard and implement an actionable strategy to mitigate it.
In this article, we will share a few actionable steps to mitigate radon risk at your workplace and protect your employees from this hidden hazard.
Understand the Hazard
Radon is formed naturally when uranium in water, rock, and soil decays. When trapped indoors, it elevates the risk of lung cancer for a building’s occupants. Research shows that radon accumulation to high concentrations may occur in closed or poorly ventilated indoor areas and enclosed underground spaces. That means all buildings with such circumstances are unsafe.
Conduct a risk assessment procedure to determine the potential exposure levels in your workplace in the first place. The threat runs higher in industries with underground facilities, such as mines and tunnels. Similarly, buildings with basements or crawl spaces are prone to the threat. Remember that any indoor environment can be susceptible, so you should not get complacent.
Implement Regular Radon Testing Protocols
Since radon exposure is a well-known occupational risk, employers must take it seriously. Also, many states mandate radon-resistant construction and testing protocols. Wherever your business is located, you must implement regular testing protocols using reliable detection devices. That’s the least you can do to protect your employees from exposure.
Short-term testing provides initial assessments, while long-term testing gives a more comprehensive analysis of radon levels for a prolonged period. You must conduct testing in all occupied areas of the workplace, from offices to break rooms and basements. Beyond the regular testing protocol, establish clear monitoring and maintenance policies and procedures within your organization.
Take Proper Mitigation Measures
Since radon cannot be seen or smelled, it becomes all the more dangerous to the occupants of a building. Prompt radon remediation should be a top priority if elevated levels are detected in testing at any point. Fortunately, many radon remediation companies operate in the country, offering reliable services to homeowners and business owners.
According to Affordable Environmental Services, a radon mitigation system is a worthwhile investment for a business as it protects employees and customers. Notably, mitigation techniques may vary depending on the building’s construction and foundation. These include ventilation systems, sub-slab depressurization, and sealing cracks and gaps in the foundation.
Educate Your Employees
Unfortunately, radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. According to the CDC, it causes 21,000 lung cancer deaths in the US each year. Despite these concerning statistics, awareness regarding its perils is limited. Therefore, employee education should be a part of your preventive plan to ensure your employees never leave things to chance.
Educate your workforce about the exposure risk and the importance of remediation measures. Train them to recognize the early symptoms of radon-related illnesses and encourage proactive reporting. Besides training sessions, displaying informational materials, such as posters and brochures, in prominent areas is a good way to promote awareness.
Go the Extra Mile with Continuous Monitoring
You cannot take a set-and-forget approach to radon remediation because the risk is bigger than you imagine. Radon levels can fluctuate over time due to changes in weather and building conditions. Even if you have a mitigation plan in place, the threat may persist. The EPA notes that every building should be retested at least once in two years or after a major alteration or renovation.
Also, implement a system for continuous monitoring to track fluctuations and address them promptly. Ensuring ongoing compliance with safety standards is your responsibility as an employer. Consider long-term collaboration with a testing and remediation expert to stay a step ahead of the threat. They can also recommend updates in mitigation measures as needed.
In conclusion, radon testing and remediation can save your workforce from a hidden yet dangerous occupational risk. Protecting your employees from the threat requires a proactive approach. However, the effort is a wise investment because it enables you to create a safe and healthy environment for your workforce, customers, and visitors.
