Health Surveillance and Protection

Occupational exposure and worker health risks evaluated for DOE and other federal agencies

The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education is building a strong foundation for addressing present and future concerns about human health. In support of the U.S. Department of Energy, ORISE collects, manages and analyzes health data on current and former workers; conducts epidemiologic studies and health surveillance; and provides technical assistance in the protection of human subjects.

By designing and maintaining worker exposure and health data registries, ORISE has provided DOE with valuable capabilities to address worker concerns efficiently. These data are evaluated and made available to policy and regulatory officials, but also to researchers and the scientific community as a matter of public interest and environmental concern.

ORISE works closely with DOE to administer its Human Subjects Protection Program, which ensures the rights and protection of human research participants in all research funded by DOE, conducted at DOE institutions, or performed by DOE employees or their contractors. ORISE supports DOE Institutional Review Boards for oversight of research activities and in keeping the public informed on the types of research DOE commissions.

To advance health surveillance and protection, ORISE offers specialized services and capabilities:

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Jones presents to Uniformed Services University Occupational and Environmental Medicine Resident Journal Club

On January, 18, 2023, ORISE Beryllium Testing Laboratory Associate Manager Melissa Jones (pictured left) provided an overview to the Uniformed Services University Occupational and Environmental Medicine Resident Journal Club on the need for beryllium testing and how the beryllium lymphocyte proliferation test is performed. The USUHS Journal Club is part of Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s continued effort to prepare and inform future occupational medicine physicians. Through activities like this, the ORISE Beryllium Testing Laboratory continues to do its part to provide educational outreach to DOE and larger beryllium community.