Mine workers' uranium exposure not dangerous: WorkSafe
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Northern Territory WorkSafe says it does not expect to see any negative health outcomes as a result of a uranium contamination at the Ranger mine, near Jabiru.
Mining company ERA says some workers were exposed to uranium when they were cleaning up a yellowcake spill three weeks ago.
WorkSafe executive director Laurene Hull says 15 people were working during the time of the contamination, but only six workers have been tested.
"We can advise that all the test results for those workers indicate that they were exposed, but at levels far below the international standard for exposure to radiation," she said.
"So in this case we don't expect there will be any negative health outcomes from that exposure."
A public health lobby group is calling for an independent review into an incident.
Public Health Association spokesman Clive Rosewarne says that because ERA is talking about expanding its operations, it should be handling worker safety better.
"I think we need to have an independent occupational health and safety investigation into this incident," he said.
"I think the rather, as I read it, cavalier attitude of ERA in this incidence doesn't give me much confidence in how serious they are taking public health issue, and certainly for their workforce."
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