A method and system decrease the amount of undesired laser radiation reaching a workpiece from a laser having a laser cavity and a Q-switch. The laser operates at any given time in one of at least two modes. In a first mode the laser emits pulses at a PRF (pulse repetition frequency) for selectively irradiating targets on or within a workpiece, and the pulses propagate along a propagation path to the workpiece. In a second mode less or no laser radiation desirably reaches the workpiece. The method is operable during the second mode. The method opens the Q switch more than the Q switch is open in the first mode, thereby limiting the amount of energy that builds up in the laser cavity and decreasing the peak energy of the laser radiation emitted in the second mode.