[1] The HHE program responds to requests through a variety of methods, including telephone consultations and field investigations.
However, NIOSH experience has shown that many employers address problems identified in their reports to improve the health and safety of their workforce.
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.
If multiple hazardous agents or conditions are present in the workplace, an HHE request can be beneficial.
[3] The Occupational Safety and Health Act gives NIOSH the authority to conduct HHEs in the private sector and federal workplaces.
For other requests, NIOSH visits the workplace to learn more about the health hazards present.
[3] On-site workplace evaluations are coordinated with the employer; NIOSH rarely makes unannounced visits.
[3] Federal laws and regulations provide some protection against possible discriminatory actions in the workplace for employees who request an HHE or participate in an evaluation.
[3] NIOSH has completed over 3,000 HHE reports detailing on-site workplace evaluations in all 50 states and some US territories, including Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.
[9][10] Both programs provide services at no cost to the requestors and assess occupational health and safety issues.
[11] Staff are trained to respond to a natural disasters and biological, chemical, explosive, and radiological events.