744 Working with OSHA

National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

NIOSH is OSHA's sister agency, with a focus on research and training. NIOSH can be a great resource for workers. NIOSH conducts Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) of workplaces in cases where workers are getting sick from an unknown cause or are exposed to an agent or working condition that is not regulated by OSHA.

Workers can request a HHE if they are currently employees at the workplace of concern and have the signatures of two other workers. To review the NIOSH website click here.

Other Resources

Other resources that can help you get information on safety and health concerns include:

• OTI Education Centers (OTIEC) and other University occupational and environmental health programs. OTIECs offer various OSHA courses and a variety of safety and health programs including community outreach efforts, Spanish-language courses, and youth initiatives.
• Doctors, nurses, and other health care providers can be a resource on the health effects of toxic substances, proper medical and first aid treatment, and other health-related issues. If you are discussing a health concern with your health care provider, try to provide them with as much information about the chemical or substance as possible. For example, if you are getting headaches at work, try to get the names and SDSs or labels of the chemicals to which you are exposed.
• Public libraries have books, journals and magazines on various safety and health topics, as well as internet access.
• Other local, community-based resources, such as the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (COSH) and local COSH groups in California, New England, the Northeast, the Midwest and the South, can be a valuable resource. COSH organizations around the U.S. are committed to promoting worker health and safety through training, education, and advocacy.

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