NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) Program: Measuring Contaminants in the Air at a Workplace

Summary

The NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program visits workplaces to assess potential health risks and offer guidance on improving safety. In this video, NIOSH industrial hygienists visit Cleanlites, an electronics recycler, to measure workplace chemical exposures, including metals, flame retardants, and hexavalent chromium. The program emphasizes collaboration with both employers and employees to improve workplace safety. Employees express appreciation for the program's efforts, sharing positive experiences and encouraging others to consider health hazard evaluations for their workplaces. The video highlights the importance of understanding and mitigating occupational health risks.

Takeaways

• 😀 NIOSH's Health Hazard Evaluation Program visits workplaces across the country to assess if hazards pose a risk to workers' health.
• 😀 NIOSH provides guidance to employers on making workplaces safer and healthier for employees.
• 😀 The video shows a visit to Cleanlites, an electronics recycler, to demonstrate NIOSH's activities during a workplace evaluation.
• 😀 Industrial hygienists like Catherine Beaucham assess exposures to metals, flame retardants, and hexavalent chromium at the workplace.
• 😀 NIOSH conducts air sampling to measure chemicals in the air, including both area and personal breathing zone samples for metals.
• 😀 Employees at Cleanlites have been supportive and appreciative of the NIOSH program's efforts to improve workplace safety.
• 😀 NIOSH gathers air sample results and provides them to both employees and employers to ensure understanding of exposures and preventive measures.
• 😀 Employees' positive experiences with the program highlight the importance of collaboration between workers, employers, and NIOSH to improve workplace health and safety.
• 😀 The Health Hazard Evaluation Program is valuable because it helps employees understand workplace hazards and encourages safe practices.
• 😀 Employees actively discuss and share their experiences with the program, promoting awareness of the health evaluation process within their workplace and beyond.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program?

The primary goal of the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program is to assess potential health hazards in workplaces and provide recommendations to employers on how to make the work environment safer for employees.

How does NIOSH assess air quality in the workplace?

NIOSH assesses air quality by collecting area and personal breathing zone samples to measure exposure to chemicals, including metals, flame retardants, and hexavalent chromium.

Who is Catherine Beaucham, and what is her role in the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program?

Catherine Beaucham is an industrial hygienist with NIOSH. She is responsible for evaluating workplace exposures and ensuring the health and safety of workers through data collection and analysis of potential hazards.

What are some of the chemicals NIOSH assesses in the Cleanlites workplace?

At Cleanlites, NIOSH assesses exposure to metals, flame retardants, and hexavalent chromium, which can pose risks to worker health.

What do employees at Cleanlites think about the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program?

Employees at Cleanlites have expressed positive feedback, appreciating the opportunity to learn about workplace hazards and safety. Some workers were initially uncertain but came to understand the value of the program in protecting their health.

What is the process after NIOSH collects air sample data in the workplace?

After collecting air sample data, NIOSH prepares a written report with the results. These findings are shared with both employees and employers, along with recommendations to reduce exposure and improve safety.

How do employees feel about their participation in the NIOSH program?

Employees feel positive about their participation. Many expressed that they gained valuable knowledge about workplace safety and felt that their involvement could help improve conditions for themselves and their coworkers.

Why did some workers initially hesitate to participate in the NIOSH program?

Some workers initially hesitated because they were unsure about what the program entailed and whether it would have any direct benefits. However, after learning more, they recognized the importance of the program for their health and safety.

How does the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program benefit both employers and employees?

The program benefits employers by providing clear recommendations to improve workplace safety and reduce health risks. For employees, it ensures their exposure to harmful substances is monitored and mitigated, improving overall health and safety.

What message does the video encourage viewers to share?

The video encourages viewers to spread the word about the NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation Program and to consider requesting an evaluation for their own workplace to help ensure a safer working environment.