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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.
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Intramural Programs by Divisions
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