Worker Protection: Notifying Workers at Risk of Occupational Disease
Abstract
This briefing report responds to a request for information to legislative proposals to establish a federal health risk notification program for workers exposed to hazardous substances. Under such a program the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would (1) determine which substances in the workplace cause disease and illness, (2) identify and notify employee populations and individuals found to be at risk, and (3) provide medical and support information and services to notified workers. We were asked to address questions on (1) the difficulties for the federal government in carrying out risk notification, including the feasibility, cost, and Privacy Act restrictions; (2) the potential benefits and disadvantages to workers of risk notification; and (3) the possibility of expanding the Department of Labor's hazard communication standard to carry out the proposed legislation's intent. This standard requires that the hazardous effects of chemicals be evaluated and information about the hazards be made available to workers in the manufacturing industry. Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration manages the hazard communication standard.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 11, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA181547
Entities
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office