The Division of Surveillance, Hazard Evaluations, and Field Studies (DSHEFS) conducts surveillance of the nation's workforce and workplaces to assess job-related illnesses, exposures, and hazardous agents, as well as, research into the causes of diseases in the working population and their offspring. DSHEFS provides technical assistance on occupational safety and health issues to other federal agencies, state and local agencies, technical groups, unions, employers, and employees. Major programmatic activities include:

• Surveillance
  DSHEFS develops and conducts national programs of occupational disease and hazard surveillance are developed and conducted in conjunction with state and other federal agencies. Surveillance systems are maintained for deaths due to occupational illnesses, non-fatal occupational illnesses and adverse health conditions, occupational exposure to health hazards, and for the construction and agriculture industries.
  
  
• Health Hazard Evaluations
  DSHEFS conducts legislatively mandated worksite health hazard evaluations (HHEs) are conducted in response to requests from employees, employee representatives and employers. These evaluations involve medical, epidemiological, and industrial hygiene assessments. Upon completion of the evaluation, a report is provided to the requestor documenting study findings and making recommendations to abate or reduce identified hazards. Each year, the division receives approximately 400 requests for HHEs and other types of technical assistance.
  
  
• Industrywide Studies
  DSHEFS conducts industrywide studies to determine the incidence and prevalence of acute and chronic disease in the working population and their offspring, and to determine the nature and extent of acute and chronic responses to potentially hazardous agents in the work environment. These studies include clinical field studies, industrial hygiene field studies, and longitudinal record studies. Participants in these studies and the public are notified of identified health risks. Study results are also disseminated in peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, technical articles and reports, and through presentations at scientific meetings.
  
  
• Health-related Energy Research
  DSHEFS plans and conducts occupational health research on workers at the Department of Energy and other energy-related facilities. This research assesses the incidence and prevalence of acute and chronic disease in the working population and their offspring, evaluates possible associations between work-related exposures and disease, and determines the nature and extent of occupational exposure to physical, chemical, and biological agents in energy-related industries. Studies include clinical field studies, industrial hygiene field surveys, and longitudinal record studies.