Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS) - What's New
Report Supports Improved Standard Setting for Cancer and Reproductive Hazards
Many California environmental regulations are based on scientific “risk assessments” performed by the Cal/EPA Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). OHB commissioned OEHHA to assess the feasibility of using the same scientific methods to develop recommendations for health-protective exposure limits in the workplace. The project focused on evaluating chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm (i.e., chemicals on California’s “Proposition 65” list). The report shows that health-protective exposure limits for workers can be calculated based on existing OEHHA risk assessments. This information will assist OHB in recommending priorities for Cal/OSHA rulemaking and promoting an improved methodology for health-based PELs.
Occupational Health Hazard Risk Assessment Project for California
Complete OEHHA technical report (PDF, 161 pages)
... Executive Summary
For more information on OHB’s work in this area, see: Recommending Workplace Standards
Guidelines on Medical Surveillance for Flavorings-Related Lung Disease
In recent years, several workers in California food flavor manufacturing plants have been found to have bronchiolitis obliterans, a serious, life-threatening lung disease linked to use of the chemical diacetyl. OHB convened a group of medical experts to assist in developing guidelines for physicians who monitor the respiratory health of workers exposed to diacetyl or other hazardous chemicals used in the industry. The guidelines are primarily for physicians hired by flavor companies to conduct their medical surveillance programs, but will be helpful for other health care providers evaluating individual patients. Sample respiratory health questionnaires are included.
For more on OHB’s work in this area, see: Flavorings-related Lung Disease
Guide to Getting Medical Care for Job-Related Pain that Won’t Go Away (PDF) – new edition now available (October 2007)
A 16-page illustrated booklet designed for workers who are experiencing persistent symptoms that seem to be related to work tasks. The guide helps workers recognize the symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, select appropriate health care providers, and work effectively with their employer and health care provider during the treatment and recovery period. It explains how certain workers’ compensation rules may affect injured workers and presents information on the Cal/OSHA Repetitive Motion Injuries Regulation. This new edition of the 2001 guide has been updated to reflect changes in workers’ compensation rules governing the choice of treating physician.
HESIS 2006 Annual Report to the Legislature (PDF)
This report summarizes the major activities, collaborations and accomplishments of the Hazard Evaluation System and Information Service (HESIS) in 2006. Highlights include targeted health hazard prevention projects with a variety of partners on important workplace health issues, including food flavoring-induced bronchiolitis obliterans, a fatal lung disease, safer alternatives to lithographic printing solvents, heat-related illness and fatalities, workplace reproductive and pregnancy hazards, and immigrant worker education and training on heat stress. HESIS’ significant contributions to protecting worker health from toxic chemicals and other hazards through daily telephone helpline consultations, technical assistance and medical consultations to Cal/OSHA and other governmental agencies, dissemination of educational materials, and participation on departmental and interagency advisory committees are described. 42 pages.
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