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Do you think a health hazard exists in your
workplace? Do any of the following stories resemble situations at your
workplace?
- A factory worker was feeling numbness and tingling in her fingers.
She learned that three coworkers had the same problem, and two had headaches
while at work but not over the weekend. Some workers said the air at
work smelled bad. Their supervisor noticed the smell but didn’t
think it was anything to worry about.
 A
manager noticed that employees in one work area had more skin rashes
in the past year than the year before. He wanted to know why, but didn’t
know what to do.
- A work crew was putting cement tiles on a roof. They were working
outside, but the air seemed dusty. The saws used to cut the tiles were
noisy. Someone told them that this work was dangerous and they should
have it checked out.
At no cost to employers or employees, or their representatives, the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) program may be able to help with problems like these. This site lets you know about the program and how to ask for NIOSH help. It also has links to reports from thousands of HHEs done by NIOSH.
New Health Hazard Evaluations
Evaluation of potential exposure to radio frequency radiation. The HHE Program responded to a union request at a weather station. The request concerned potential radio frequency (RF) radiation exposure to electronic technicians repairing equipment. HHE Program investigators reviewed incident and maintenance logs and conducted confidential medical interviews with employees. The investigators found that a RF health and safety program did not exist. The investigators found that employees were doing repairs and using equipment that they had not been trained for. Investigators recommended that managers ensure that employees are properly trained and enforce proper documentation of repairs and maintenance in their logs. Investigators also recommended that managers implement an effective RF health and safety program and enforce training and safety protocols. HHE Program investigators also recommended that managers restrict access to areas where spatial average electric field strength may exceed recommended guidelines and post signs marking these areas. Additionally, investigators recommended that employees immediately inform managers of any workplace exposure and then seek medical evaluation. The final report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0095-3063.pdf.
Evaluation of potential noise exposure. The HHE Program responded to a management request at a fire department. The request concerned potential exposure to noise by 911 dispatchers and mechanics in the fire station. HHE Program investigators monitored noise exposure to mechanics and dispatchers and looked at hearing test results. Investigators also interviewed workers and looked at injury and illness records for trauma to the ears. The investigators found that mechanics’ exposure to noise was above the NIOSH recommended exposure limit, and that their exposures occurred over short periods of time. Investigators also found that the potential for harm to 911 dispatchers’ hearing was low. Investigators recommended that managers enroll mechanics in a hearing conservation program and require that mechanics wear ear plugs or ear muffs when working with loud equipment. HHE Program investigators also recommended that a communications center be built for 911 dispatchers or modify the existing center to meet recommended indoor noise criteria for buildings. The final report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0235-3064.pdf.
Evaluation of health symptoms at an indoor water park. The HHE Program responded to a request for assistance at an indoor water park. The request concerned the cause of symptoms involving irritation to the eyes, nose, skin, and respiratory system. HHE Program investigators tested the air for trichloramines, soluble chlorine compounds, and endotoxins. Investigators tested the water for fecal contamination, Legionella, mycobacteria, endotoxin, sulfites, and sulfates. Additionally, investigators reviewed the ventilation system and water system designs. HHE Program investigators found that some trichloramine concentrations were at levels previously reported to cause mucous membrane irritation and that air endotoxin concentrations were at levels that have been associated with cough and fever. Investigators recommended that managers assess the ventilation system to ensure adequate air movement and proper removal of contaminants. Investigators also recommended that managers consider reducing water attraction cycle times and use larger droplet discharge nozzles to reduce aerosolization of contaminants. Investigators recommended that managers consider redesigning the spray feature piping system to make sure that water used in the pools is taken directly after the filtration and treatment cycles. Additionally, investigators recommended that employees report any work-related symptoms to their supervisors. The final report is available at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2007-0163-3062.pdf.
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Learn More About the HHE Program
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