Last Updated: 16/03/2011

We know from our work over 30 years in the EAP industry that two of the most common reasons for people seeking out our assistance through their EAP are to deal with stress and anxiety (and they are linked). We also know that when people have access to objective information and data about the things that cause them to become stressed and anxious, they are better able to self manage, experience an improvement in their resilience and make more effective decisions.

The information below is intended to assist people who have concerns about themselves, their employees and / or family members to make informed judgements about what action they believe they need to take to keep themselves safe.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is closely monitoring developments relating to the impact of the earthquakes and tsunami in Japan. Their advisories have now expanded to include discussions about the nuclear facilities and the precautions all travellers (and residents) should take in Japan. The link to the Smart Traveller website is below:
http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/zw-cgi/view/Advice/Japan

Another source of scientific and objective information is the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA). ARPANSA has issued advice on exposure to radiation arising from the nuclear incidents in Japan on their website:
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/News/MediaReleases/index.cfm

Basic information regarding radiation in all of it's forms is also contained on the ARPANSA website. This provides clear information about the different types of radiation and may assist people to understand some of the commentary around Japan's nuclear issue.
http://www.arpansa.gov.au/radiationprotection/basics/index.cfm
The ARPANSA website also contains links to other resources

For further information and views regarding Japan's situation from a global perspective, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) website is being regularly updated with scientific assessments and responses to the needs of the Japanese people and people of other nations currently in Japan. The website address for IAEA is
http://www.iaea.org/

This information has been provided to make it easier for people to access current discussions, advice and objective information on the nuclear related incidents in Japan. If you still feel heightened levels of emotional concern, consider calling us on 1300 361 008. Please note too that we have resources within Japan to assist our client organisations in need. Please refer to the previous news item on this subject.