Abstract

AREOSA, João. Occupational risks of medical imaging: a case study in a portuguese hospital. Tempo soc. [online]. 2011, vol.23, n.2, pp. 297-318. ISSN 0103-2070.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/S0103-20702011000200012.

This paper presents the findings of research undertaken in an imaging service based at a public hospital. Here we examine the main occupational risks of this activity, as well as employee perceptions of this risk. The professional groups observed were: radiology doctors, neuroradiology doctors and radiology technicians. The methodology used in the case study was field research with participant observation. In implementing this method we used interviews as a primary technique for obtaining information. One of the main conclusions of the investigation was that risk perceptions in the imaging service vary considerably. However the risks most feared by workers are associated with exposure to ionizing radiation and various other biological hazards encountered in the hospital environment in general

Keywords : Risk; Occupational risk; Risk perception; Medical imaging.