Occupational health & safety

Many employers are unsure whether electromagnetic fields (EMFs) might be a risk in their workplace. 

In many workplaces EMFs are not a problem.  The types of equipment that might need an assessment include:

• cables or other equipment (eg large transformers) carrying strong electric currents (hundreds or thousands of amps)

• induction heaters

• radio-frequency plastic welders

• microwave heaters and driers

• moderate to high power radio transmitters.

You can undertake a quick review by having a look through this guide prepared in the European Union to help employers make a quick assessment of whether EMFs might present health and safety risks in their workplace.  The European rules use the same limits as those recommended in New Zealand, meaning that the guide is useful here as well.  It is free to download.    

You are also welcome to contact EMF Services to discuss your workplace.  We will not try and sell you anything that does not appear necessary.  If it does look like measurements are needed or would be useful, we have the experience and instruments needed for most workplaces. But we also recognise that sometimes having measurements made and documented can ease concerns, even if exposures are anticipated to be well below the recommended limits.

Last reviewed: 12 October 2023