Health Hazard Assessment (HHA)

Last Updated: July 01, 2026
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​​Health Hazard Assessment (HHA) is the process used within the DoD to identify and assess health hazards associated with materiel system life cycle management and provide recommendations to capability developers, materiel developers, and training developers to eliminate or control the health hazards inherent in weapon platforms, munitions, equipment, clothing, training devices, and other materiel systems. Through application of biomedical knowledge and principles, the HHA Program addresses the potential effects of health hazards on the Service members who use and maintain materiel systems. The HHA Program uses systems engineering principles from a health or medical perspective. The HHA process outputs risk levels associated with probability and severity to better inform risk management decision makers.

​​In this video, we explore how the DCPH-A HHA Program evaluates and mitigates health risks associated with military equipment throughout its entire lifecycle—from initial concept and design to fielding and sustainment. Learn how HHA professionals integrate system safety engineering with medical and occupational health expertise to proactively identify and mitigating potential health hazards before they reach the field, including:

  • Noise & Blast Overpressure
  • Chemical & Radiation Exposure
  • Musculoskeletal Stress

By influencing system design from the earliest stages, the HHA Program ensures that the gear our Soldiers rely on is both highly effective and fundamentally safe—protecting those who serve on and off the battlefield.


Please visit the Health Hazard Assessment Program page in the Organizational section of this site to learn more about the HHA Program including its mission, history, and contact information.

To request a Health Hazard Assessment, please click here for more information.