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Washington Headquarters Service (WHS) Occupational Safety & Health Branch


Part of the U.S. Department of Defense's Washington Headquarters Service (WHS), the Occupational Safety and Health Branch (OSHB) works to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses through timely hazard identification, facilitating resourceful and relevant hazard abatement, and providing reliable and responsive communication.


Did You Know?

40% of U.S. architects, engineers, contractors, building owners and building consultants report that the majority of building work was green in 2012. It is expected that 53% of these U.S. firms will be engaged in mostly green building work by 2015. 44% of all nonresidential building project starts were green in 2012 as well, up from 2% in 2005. Green buildings hold strong appeal for both commercial and institutional (including government) owners.

Source: McGraw Hill Construction (2013). 2013 World Green Building Trends SmartMarket Reportnon government site opens in new window.


Case Study

Occupant Comfort

Operable Windows

Comfortable workers are more likely to be productive and engaged with their work than those who struggle to work in spaces that create barriers and stresses. With an ever increasing number of environmental issues to be mindful of when designing spaces, NIBS is developing practices that support both sustainability and worker comfort.

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