Department of Health and Human Services
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- [30Day-27-0260]
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has submitted the information collection request titled “Health Hazard Evaluations/Technical Assistance and Emerging Problems” to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. CDC previously published a “Proposed Data Collection Submitted for Public Comment and Recommendations” notice on June 18, 2026 to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. CDC did not receive comments related to the previous notice. This notice serves to allow an additional 30 days for public and affected agency comments.
CDC will accept all comments for this proposed information collection project. The Office of Management and Budget is particularly interested in comments that:
(a) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
(b) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
(c) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected;
(d) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including, through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses; and
(e) Assess information collection costs.
To request additional information on the proposed project or to obtain a copy of the information collection plan and instruments, call (404) 639-7570. Comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent within 30 days of publication of this notice to www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain. Find this particular information collection by selecting “Currently under 30-day Review—Open for Public Comments” or by using the search function. Direct written comments and/or suggestions regarding the items contained in this notice to the Attention: CDC Desk Officer, Office of Management and Budget, 725 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20503 or by fax to (202) 395-5806. Provide written comments within 30 days of notice publication.
www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMainProposed Project
Health Hazard Evaluations/Technical Assistance and Emerging Problems (OMB Control No. 0920-0260, Exp. 1/31/2027)—Extension—National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Background and Brief Description
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) responds to requests for Health Hazard Evaluations (HHEs) to evaluate health concerns involving chemical, biological, or physical hazards in workplaces throughout the United States. Section 20(a)(6) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and Section 501(a)(11) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1970 [Attachment A1] mandate NIOSH respond to these requests.
Data is collected through field evaluations, medical interviews, survey questions, and industrial hygiene exposure assessment techniques. Nearly all investigations use cross-sectional methods to assess current exposures and health status. For some investigations retrospective exposure information also is collected ( e.g., through record review). Investigations may draw upon medical, industrial hygiene, epidemiologic, organizational and industrial psychology, ergonomic, engineering, toxicologic, and communication expertise. Investigation results document current and potential workplace health hazards of concern to employers and employees specific to their workplace. Findings support recommendations for corrective or preventive measures to eliminate hazards and prevent work-related injury and illness in the investigated workplace. Findings also are used to identify future research needs.
In the previous Extension, an additional nine emerging problems were added in anticipation of additional need in this area. However, over the past three years the anticipated increase was not realized. Therefore, for this Extension request, the number of estimated emerging problem projects were reduced from 15 to six. NIOSH requests a three-year extension of approval for a total of 1,745 annualized burden hours. ( printed page 65219)
| Type of respondents | Form name | Number of respondents | Number of responses per respondent | Average burden per response in hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employees/employee representatives/or employers | HHE Request Form | 250 | 1 | 12/60 |
| Employees | HHE specific interview example † | 1,470 | 1 | 15/60 |
| Employees | HHE specific questionnaire example † | 2,100 | 1 | 30/60 |
| Employees | HHE specific medical survey informed consent form | 60 | 1 | 30/60 |
| Employees | Employee Contact Postcard | 1,225 | 1 | 5/60 |
| Employer & employee representative | Initial Site Visit Followback Survey form | 140 | 1 | 10/60 |
| Employer & employee representative | Closeout for HHE Followback Survey with site visit | 140 | 1 | 20/60 |
| Employer & employee representative | 1 Year Later for HHE Followback Survey with site visit | 140 | 1 | 15/60 |
| Employer & employee representative | Closeout for HHE without site visit | 94 | 1 | 10/60 |
| Employer & employee representative | 1 Year Later for HHE without site visit | 94 | 1 | 15/60 |
Jeffrey M. Zirger,
Lead, Information Collection Review Office, Office of Public Health Ethics and Regulations, Office of Science, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.