The mission of the Worker Right-to-Know Program in the Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is to protect the health of public employees by providing current and accurate information about hazardous chemicals and their health effects and by ensuring that the public employers comply with the requirements of the state worker right-to-know law.
Worker Right-to-Know For Public Employees
The Worker Right-to-Know Program is administered by staff in the DSHS Division of Regulatory Services, Environmental and Consumer Safety Section, Policy, Standards & Quality Assurance Unit. This program is conducted under the authority of the Texas Hazard Communication Act (THCA, Health & Safety Code, Chapter 502), which requires public employers* to provide information, training, and appropriate personal protective equipment to their employees who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals in their workplaces. DSHS administers an inspection and enforcement program under the THCA to ensure that public employees are protected from hazardous chemicals in their workplaces.
*Public employers include (but are not limited to) cities, counties, state agencies, public schools, public colleges & universities, river authorities, and volunteer emergency service organizations.
Tier Two Report filing fees, collected under the authority provided in the Texas Community Right-to-Know Acts (TCRAs), provide the funding for the DSHS Community and Worker Right-to-Know Programs.
Questions or requests for information regarding the Worker Right-to-Know Program should be addressed to:
MAILING ADDRESS:
POLICY, STANDARDS & QUALITY ASSURANCE UNIT
ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH GROUP MC 1987
TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF STATE HEALTH SERVICES
P. O. Box 149347
Austin, Texas 78714-9347
PHONE NUMBERS:
Call toll free in Texas:1-800-452-2791
Fax: (512) 834-6779
Contact:
Telephone: (800) 452-2791 (toll-free in Texas), x 243