Health Hazard Evaluation Program

Health Hazard Evaluation Program

The Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) program is a workplace safety program administered by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). It was developed by NIOSH to comply with a mandate included in the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to investigate occupational hazards reported by workers. According to Section 20(a)(6) of the Act, the Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized "following a written request by any employer or authorized representative of employees, to determine whether any substance normally found in the place of employment has potentially toxic effects in such concentrations as used or found."

The level of aid offered via the HHE program ranges from written correspondence between NIOSH and the inquiring party and a site visit from a NIOSH representative. Following each site visit, NIOSH provides a report detailing the hazards found and outlining remediation recommendations. The final report is given to the requester, the employer, employee representatives, OSHA, and other appropriate agencies. The employer is required to post the final report; however, NIOSH has no authority to force the employer to comply with the recommendations stated in it.

Read more about Health Hazard Evaluation Program:  Requests, HHE Process, Employee Protection, Completed Reports

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