To analyze the changes in distribution of occupational radiation cases reported from 2013 to 2017 in China and learn about the occupational health risks of radiation workers.

Descriptive analyses were made of regional distribution, disease category distribution, occupation category distribution and exposure mode distribution of these cases, according to the reports (2013-2017) of occupational radiation sickness from " Occupational Health of Radiation Workers Management System" .

There were 54 diagnostic radiology agencies for occupational radiation sickness in China that covered all provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities except Tibet and Production and Construction Corps of Xinjiang. A total of 106 new cases were reported from 2013 to 2017. Most of the cases were radiogenic neoplasm (43.40%), and chronic radiation sickness were from external exposure (16.98%) and radiation cataract (16.04%). Most of the cases (70.75%) were engaged in medical application and a small part of the cases (13.21%) engaged in industry application. Chronic exposure (80.19%) was the most frequent form of exposure mode, but acute exposure (5.66%) was very few. A part of cases (14.15%) were reported without exposure mode.

The morbidity of occupational radiation sickness declined generally in China and occupational health management of key workers should be strengthened continuously.

Occupational radiation sickness; Radiation worker; Occupational health surveillance