United States · Bill · HR
H.R. 162 (100th)
High Risk Occupational Disease Notification and Prevention Act of 1987
Introduced
6 January 1987
Last action
20 October 1987 · Introduced
Status
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 382.
Sponsors
Rep. Gaydos, Joseph M. [D-PA-20], Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-3], Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2], Rep. Walgren, Doug [D-PA-18], Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10], Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5], Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4], Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9], Rep. Murphy, Austin J. [D-PA-20], Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10], Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10], Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7], Rep. Ford, William D. [D-MI-13], Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8], Rep. Bonker, Don [D-WA-3], Rep. Miller, George [D-CA-11], Rep. Torres, Esteban Edward [D-CA-34], Rep. Coleman, Ronald D. [D-TX-16], Rep. Clay, William (Bill) [D-MO-1], Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA], Rep. Fazio, Vic [D-CA-3], Rep. Kildee, Dale E. [D-MI-5], Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2], Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19], Rep. Martinez, Matthew G. [D-CA-31], Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4], Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL], Rep. Crockett, George W., Jr. [D-MI-13], Rep. Matsui, Robert T. [D-CA-5], Rep. Guarini, Frank J. [D-NJ-14], Rep. Weiss, Ted [D-NY-17], Rep. Mineta, Norman Y. [D-CA-15], Rep. Roe, Robert A. [D-NJ-8], Rep. Hayes, Charles A. [D-IL-1], Rep. Perkins, Carl C. [D-KY-7], Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1], Rep. Smith, Lawrence [D-FL-16], Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ], Rep. Visclosky, Peter J. [D-IN-1], Rep. Dellums, Ronald V. [D-CA-9], Rep. Kanjorski, Paul E. [D-PA-11], Rep. Wilson, Charles [D-TX-2], Rep. Sabo, Martin Olav [D-MN-5], Rep. Feighan, Edward F. [D-OH-19], Rep. Dixon, Julian C. [D-CA-32], Rep. Obey, David R. [D-WI-7], Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1]
Subjects
Discovery layer
Source updated
21 July 2025
Summary
High Risk Occupational Disease Notification and Prevention Act of 1987 - Establishes a Risk Assessment Board, within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), to: (1) review current medical and other scientific studies and reports concerning the incidence of disease associated with employment; (2) identify and designate, from such review, employee populations at risk of disease associated with hazardous occupational exposures; and (3) develop a form and method of notification to be used by employers, the Secretary of HHS, and agents of the Secretary to notify the designated population at risk. Sets forth factors which the Board must consider in identifying such populations at risk. Gives priority to Board review of employee populations exposed to hazardous occupational exposures whose members are most likely to be helped, either through medical intervention or through counseling on personal health habits. Directs the Board, in making this determination, to consider: (1) exposures for which there exists a permanent standard under specified provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970; and (2) the extent of medical monitoring and surveillance already available to employee populations covered by the permanent standards. Sets forth procedures for Board identification of populations at risk and recommendations to the Secretary that individuals within that population be notified. Directs the Secretary, upon determination that a given class or category of employee is a population at risk of occupational disease, to notify each individual within such population at risk, and his or her respective employer. Directs the Secretary, in addition, to use public service announcements and other appropriate means of notification. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for notifying persons who have been subjects of epidemiological studies which demonstrate findings of increased risk of occupational disease, and which were conducted by an agency within the Department of HHS. Requires such notification procedures to be included in all future epidemiological studies by such an agency. Sets forth the required contents of such notification, including counseling information. Directs the Secretary to establish a telephone "hot line" for the personal physicians of employees who have received such notification, in order to provide additional medical and scientific information concerning the nature of the risk and its associated disease. Directs the Secretary to prepare and distribute other medical and health promotion material and information on any risk subject to such notification requirements and its associated disease as the Secretary deems appropriate. Provides that, in carrying out such notification responsibilities, the Secretary shall have access to information and data contained in any: (1) Federal agency records, solely for the purpose of obtaining names, addresses, and work histories of employees subject to such notification; and (2) employer records, insofar as Federal access is provided under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 and the Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. Authorizes the Secretary to certify a private employer or a State or local government to conduct worker notification, but prohibits access to Federal information by such employers or governments. Relieves the Secretary and any agents of the Secretary from liability for monetary damages with respect to omissions or acts in the notification process. Provides for petition to the appropriate U.S. Court of Appeals by any person adversely affected or aggrieved by the Secretary's determination under this Act that a given class or category of employees is a population at risk. Directs the Secretary, within 90 days after the effective date of this Act, to establish and certify ten health centers. Requires such centers to be selected from among education resource centers of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health and similar facilities of the National Institute for Environmental Health Sciences, the National Cancer Institute, and other private and governmental organizations that apply for such designation. Directs the Secretary, within five years of such effective date, to establish and certify additional health centers so as to obtain no less than one center per State. Requires the centers to provide: (1) education, training, and technical assistance to personal physicians and social service professionals who serve employees notified; and (2) research resources, diagnosis, treatment, medical monitoring, and family services for employees notified. Directs the Secretary to reimburse the centers for the cost of developing a training program and procuring specialized equipment. Directs the Secretary to make grants to health centers, universities, and other organizations to conduct research, training, and education aimed at improving the means of medically assisting employees exposed to environmental health hazards and the means of identifying worker populations exposed to such hazards. Authorizes the Secretary to engage the services of experts and consultants. Requires any employer who receives a notification that one or more of its current employees is in a population at risk to certify to the Secretary that the appropriate testing, evaluation, and medical monitoring requested by such employees will be provided or made available by the employer: (1) at no cost to the employee, if any part of such exposure occurred during employment by that employer; or (2) at a charge not exceeding the cost to the employer, if no part of such exposure occurred during employment by that employer. Prohibits the discharge of or discrimination against any employee who is or has been a member of a population at risk. Prohibits benefit reductions for employees temporarily or permanently transferred to less hazardous or nonexposed jobs. Provides for review of complaints of employees aggrieved by violations of such provisions. Provides for reinstatement and other relief for such employees. Provides for civil penalties for violations of such provisions. Provides for injunctive relief against violations of this Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under this Act. Provides that notification that an employee is in a population at risk and the initiation of medical evaluation and monitoring shall not constitute or in any way affect a claim for compensation, loss, or damage arising out of the hazardous occupational exposure, but allows the results of such evaluation and monitoring to be introduced as evidence. Provides that such notification shall not commence the tolling of any statute of limitations with respect to filing a timely claim. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1988 and 1989 to carry out this Act.
This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.
Timeline
6 January 1987
Introduced
Referred to House Committee on Education and Labor.
Source: IntroReferral
6 January 1987
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
6 January 1987
Introduced
Introduced in House
Source: IntroReferral
23 February 1987
Referred
Referred to Subcommittee on Health and Safety.
Source: Committee
16 March 1987
Committee
Executive Comment Requested from Labor.
Source: Committee
17 March 1987
Committee
Executive Comment Received From HHS.
Source: Committee
17 March 1987
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
24 March 1987
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
26 March 1987
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
31 March 1987
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
8 April 1987
Committee
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Source: Committee
23 April 1987
Committee
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended).
Source: Committee
23 April 1987
Committee
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
11 May 1987
Committee
Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From Labor.
Source: Committee
19 May 1987
Reported
Ordered to be Reported (Amended).
Source: Committee
19 May 1987
Committee
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Source: Committee
26 June 1987
Calendars
Placed on Union Calendar No: 117.
Source: Calendars
26 June 1987
Reported
Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Education and Labor. Report No: 100-194.
Source: Committee
26 June 1987
Reported
Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Education and Labor. Report No: 100-194.
Source: Committee
14 July 1987
Committee
Unfavorable Executive Comment Received From Labor, HHS, Justice, Commerce, SBA.
Source: Committee
6 October 1987
Floor
Committee on Rules Granted an Open Rule Providing One and One-half Hours of General Debate.
Source: Floor
7 October 1987
Committee
Executive Comment Received From Labor, HHS, Justice, Commerce, USDA, SBA.
Source: Committee
8 October 1987
Committee
Executive Comment Received From USDA.
Source: Committee
14 October 1987
Floor
Called up by House by Rule.
Source: Floor
14 October 1987
Passed
Rule Passed House.
Source: Floor
15 October 1987
Vote
Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 225 - 186 (Record Vote No: 359).
Source: Floor
15 October 1987
Vote
Passed/agreed to in House: Passed House (Amended) by Yea-Nay Vote: 225 - 186 (Record Vote No: 359).
Source: Floor
15 October 1987
Passed
House Agreed to Amendments Adopted by the Committee of the Whole.
Source: Floor
15 October 1987
Floor
Committee Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute Considered as an Original Bill for the Purpose of Amendment.
Source: Floor
20 October 1987
Introduced
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 382.
Source: Calendars
Votes
No vote records are attached yet.
Versions
No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.
Documents
3 official files
Leesvertaling
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Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Passed House amended
summary · EN · 15 October 1987
Reported to House with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 26 June 1987
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Introduced in House
summary · EN · 6 January 1987
Leesvertaling
Vertaal dit document naar jouw taal. PoliticalRepo bewaart geen aparte kopie per EU-taal.
Documentvertaling op verzoek met downloadbare PDF (logo + link naar de officiële bron). Het bronbestand blijft leidend.
Sponsors
- Rep. Gaydos, Joseph M. [D-PA-20] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Rahall, Nick J., II [D-WV-3] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Kastenmeier, Robert W. [D-WI-2] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Walgren, Doug [D-PA-18] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Rodino, Peter W., Jr. [D-NJ-10] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Ackerman, Gary L. [D-NY-5] · D · Sponsor
- Del. Fauntroy, Walter E. [D-DC-At Large] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Frank, Barney [D-MA-4] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Brooks, Jack B. [D-TX-9] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Murphy, Austin J. [D-PA-20] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Edwards, Don [D-CA-10] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. McDade, Joseph M. [R-PA-10] · R · Sponsor
- Rep. Collins, Cardiss [D-IL-7] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Ford, William D. [D-MI-13] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Oberstar, James L. [D-MN-8] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Bonker, Don [D-WA-3] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Miller, George [D-CA-11] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Torres, Esteban Edward [D-CA-34] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Coleman, Ronald D. [D-TX-16] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Clay, William (Bill) [D-MO-1] · D · Sponsor
- Sen. Boxer, Barbara [D-CA] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Fazio, Vic [D-CA-3] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Kildee, Dale E. [D-MI-5] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Gejdenson, Sam [D-CT-2] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Fascell, Dante B. [D-FL-19] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Martinez, Matthew G. [D-CA-31] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Vento, Bruce F. [D-MN-4] · D · Sponsor
- Sen. Durbin, Richard J. [D-IL] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Crockett, George W., Jr. [D-MI-13] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Matsui, Robert T. [D-CA-5] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Guarini, Frank J. [D-NJ-14] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Weiss, Ted [D-NY-17] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Mineta, Norman Y. [D-CA-15] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Roe, Robert A. [D-NJ-8] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Hayes, Charles A. [D-IL-1] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Perkins, Carl C. [D-KY-7] · D · Sponsor
- Rep. Schroeder, Patricia [D-CO-1] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Smith, Lawrence [D-FL-16] · D · Cosponsor
- Sen. Torricelli, Robert G. [D-NJ] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Visclosky, Peter J. [D-IN-1] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Dellums, Ronald V. [D-CA-9] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Kanjorski, Paul E. [D-PA-11] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Wilson, Charles [D-TX-2] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Sabo, Martin Olav [D-MN-5] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Feighan, Edward F. [D-OH-19] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Dixon, Julian C. [D-CA-32] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Obey, David R. [D-WI-7] · D · Cosponsor
- Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] · D · Cosponsor
Showing 48 of 147 sponsors and actors.
Related records
- amends ← An amendment to provide an exemption from notification requirements for companies that show, by a preponderance of evidence, that they have operated exceptionally effective health and safety programs.
- amends ← An amendment to prohibit employee requests for medical removal benefits without physiological evidence that the covered disease was about to manifest itself.
- amends ← An amendment to specify that employers would not be required to duplicate medical monitoring already required by a substance-specific health and safety standard.
- amends ← An amendment in the nature of a substitute providing for more stringent enforcement of the current Occupational Safety and Health Administration Hazard Communication Standard, and requiring a two-year study of whether a risk notification program should be established. In more detail, the Jeffords substitute requires employers to notify employees who are or have been exposed to levels or concentrations of toxic materials which exceed OSHA standards. Within one year, OSHA would be instructed to update existing permissible exposure limits, increase penalties for willful violations of current law, and to direct agencies other than OSHA, which have jurisdiction over worker safety and health, to promulgate a health hazard notification standard. Further, the substitute directs GAO to evaluate the effectiveness of expanded Hazard Communication standards, and to provide for creation of a commission to study and report to Congress within two years on issues related to possible creation of a risk notification program. The substitue authorizes $20 million in FY 1988 and "such sums as may be necessary" thereafter for creation of an Office of Hazard Communications to review material safety data sheet information and to assist with employer compliance. It also authorizes $5 million in FY 1988 and "such sums" thereafter for an interim NIOSH program to provide risk information to workers who have participated in federal workplace health studies and to establish a hotline for notified workers. Finally, the substitute prohibits the introduction of information provided under the Hazard Communication.
- amends ← An amendment to permit the Risk Assessment Board to waive notification for persons whose exposure, based on the latency period, would have already resulted in the specific disease.
- amends ← An amendment to include "employers" and "employees representatives" in the provisions made for protecting physicians from medical malpractice suits when making food faith determinations with regard to medical removal actions.
- amends ← An amendment to provide that no action may be brought for any claim based on a food faith determination made by a physician.
- amends ← An amendment to include "employers" and "employees representatives" in the provisions made for protecting physicians from medical malpractice suits when making food faith determinations with regard to medical removal actions.
Showing 8 of 14 related records.
Sources
PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.
- Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/162
- Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/100/hr/162
- us · 100-hr-162 · source updated 21 July 2025