• What is a Health Hazard Assessment?
• Why do I need a work place assessment?
• Who can request a Health Hazard Assessment?
• How do I request a Health Hazard Assessment?
• Is there any cost?
• Is there a risk of penalty for employers?

What is a Health Hazard Assessment?

Health hazard assessments (HHA) are inspections of facilities and reviews of procedures to determine the extent of potential exposure of employees to hazardous substances and conditions. HHAs typically begin with a phone consultation to establish a dialogue with the employer and begin to gather background information on the workplace, such as what conditions prompted the contact with the Office of Occupational Health. Once the initial consultation is completed, the next step is a site visit conducted by Occupational Health staff. HHAs consist of different inspection and review methods depending on the specific workplace, but may include:

• Visual inspections of all work areas
• Limited air monitoring and sampling
• Interviews with employees
• Review of procedures and products used in the workplace

After the initial assessment is completed, staff from the Office of Occupational Health can meet with employers and employees to discuss the potential hazards in the workplace. OH staff can make recommendations and provide information so that everyone in the workplace can take responsibility for health and safety and work to improve it. Follow-up assessments can be performed to document progress and help the workplace continue to operate with an eye always on improving health and safety.

Why do I need a workplace HHA?

The HHAs conducted by the Office of Occupational Health are meant to be preventative measures, rather than being a response to an accident or report of illness. By having Occupational Health conduct a workplace HHA you are taking pro-active steps to improve the health and safety of your employees. Performing a HHA can benefit a workplace by:

• Preventing employee illness and injury.
• Reduced liability relating to employee illness and injury.
• Reduced downtime and increased productivity.
• Improving employee morale and the overall work environment.

Who can request a Health Hazard Assessment?

• Public-sector employers interested in having a workplace HHA should contact the Office of Occupational Health directly.
• Private employers should consider working with the Office of Occupational Health on a self-assessment.
• Employees that would like the Office of Occupational Health to visit their workplace should request that their employer contact our office.
• In situations where you feel uncomfortable talking to your employer about a HHA, please contact the Office of Occupational Health. Our office can contact your employer and offer our consultation services. Your name will not be given to the employer. Staff from our office with inform your employer that concerns about the workplace have been brought to our attention and that the Office of Occupational Health is available to assist in improving the situation.

How do I request a Health Hazard Assessment?

To request a HHA, simply contact the Office of Occupational Health.

Is there any cost?

There are no costs associated with information and consultation provided by the Office of Occupational Health.

Is there a risk of penalty for employers?

The Office of Occupational Health is not an enforcement agency. While follow-up is conducted to track progress and confirm that recommendations have been implemented, the office provides advice and assistance without the potential for penalty or legal action against employers.