The mission is accomplished through the routine collection, analysis, and interpretation of selected morbidity, demographic, and occupational exposure data. Through the continuous monitoring and analysis of these data, workplace conditions that may pose health risks can be identified. In response to indications of excess risk, the Office of Epidemiologic Studies assesses the need for additional investigations according to an established protocol. Epidemiologic surveillance supports the Department of Energy's only multisite health information database linked to current workers. The program provides timely health information about the DOE labor force and is a resource for rapid response to health concerns raised by Headquarters and line management, administrators, medical staff, organized labor, and other stakeholders.
Annual reports summarize the results of epidemiologic surveillance at participating sites.
The Office considers requests to conduct health studies related to DOE sites. These requests can come from workers, State health departments, and others. Preliminary health or exposure information is usually evaluated first by the epidemiology staff. A visit to the site or State health department may then be arranged for an assessment in greater depth. Types of epidemiologic investigations are varied.