Radiation probe over 'cover-up'

Japanese authorities are investigating subcontractors on suspicion that they forced workers at the Fukushima nuclear plant to under-report the amount of radiation they were exposed to so they could stay on the job longer.

Officials said yesterday that an investigation had begun following media reports of a cover-up at the plant devastated by the 2011 tsunami. A subcontractor of the plant operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, acknowledged having nine workers cover their dosimeters – which measure radiation exposure – with lead plates late last year so the instruments would indicate a lower level of radiation exposure.

AP