Health Hazard Evaluation Program

File:NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program - Measuring Contaminants in the Air at a Workplace.webm File:NIOSH HHE - Measuring Contaminants on Workers’ Skin and Workplace Surfaces.webm File:NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program - Medical Testing at a Workplace.webm [[ Health Hazard Evaluation Program (HHEP) is a program designed to evaluate potential health hazards in the workplace. Administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the program plays a crucial role in identifying health risks to workers and recommending ways to reduce or eliminate these risks. The HHEP is an essential component of occupational health and safety efforts in the United States, providing a mechanism through which employers, employees, or their representatives can request evaluations of possible health hazards associated with their work environments.

Overview

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program is established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. Its primary goal is to help protect workers by conducting evaluations of workplaces in response to concerns about possible health hazards. These evaluations are carried out by NIOSH scientists and health professionals who have expertise in various fields such as industrial hygiene, toxicology, medicine, engineering, and psychology. The program is unique because it is not regulatory; it does not enforce laws but rather provides recommendations to reduce workplace health hazards.

Requesting an Evaluation

Requests for a health hazard evaluation can be made by employers, employees, employee representatives, or other concerned parties. The request must detail the specific concerns and the workplace conditions that are believed to be hazardous. Once a request is received, NIOSH reviews the information provided to determine if an on-site evaluation is warranted. Priority is given to situations that have the potential for widespread impact or represent serious health risks.

Evaluation Process

The evaluation process involves several steps, including an initial review of the request, an on-site visit (if deemed necessary), environmental and medical testing, and a report of findings and recommendations. During the on-site visit, NIOSH personnel may conduct interviews, review records, and perform direct measurements of exposures to hazardous substances. The team may also evaluate work practices and control measures already in place.

Findings and Recommendations

After completing the evaluation, NIOSH issues a report detailing its findings and recommendations for reducing or eliminating identified health hazards. This report is provided to the employer, the employees, and their representatives. Recommendations may include changes in work practices, improvements in ventilation or other engineering controls, use of personal protective equipment, and suggestions for further medical evaluations of workers.

Impact

The Health Hazard Evaluation Program has had a significant impact on improving workplace health and safety. By identifying hazards and recommending ways to mitigate them, the program has contributed to the prevention of occupational diseases and injuries. The findings from these evaluations are also shared publicly, contributing to the broader knowledge base about workplace health hazards and effective control measures.

See Also

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Workplace Hazard
• Industrial Hygiene

Health Hazard Evaluation Program Resources
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