On March 27, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced plans to reduce the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) by as much as two-thirds.
NIOSH has been a valued and trusted resource for safety and health professionals, and business leaders for decades, ensuring the health and safety of workers in all industries.
Originally established by the 1970 Occupational Safety and Health Act, NIOSH is now an agency within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations to prevent work-related illnesses and injuries.
NIOSH’s strategic goals include:
- reducing occupational cancer,
- decreasing cardiovascular disease,
- lowering adverse reproductive outcomes, and other chronic diseases,
- preventing musculoskeletal disorders,
- promoting safe and healthy work design and well-being.
We have blogged about several NIOSH programs in the past, especially Total Worker Health. The agency’s programs include:
- Health Hazard Evaluation Program: Responds to requests for workplace health hazard evaluations.
- Epidemiology and Health Surveillance Programs: Conducts studies to understand the causes and patterns of work-related diseases and injuries.
- Respirator Approval Program: Approves respirators based on their ability to protect workers from hazardous substances.
- Total Worker Health Program: Focuses on improving the overall well-being of workers, including their physical and psychological health.
The destruction of NIOSH will have a devastating impact on safety and health. The resources, research, expertise, and safety and health funding provided by the agency are irreplaceable.
AIHA is taking action to prevent this devastating loss. Per AIHA President Nicole Greeson, “NIOSH provides a significant return on investment.” For example, a recent study estimated just three NIOSH case studies (with a cost of $5.1 million) have resulted in an annual economic value of $338 million to over $1.2 billion. (AIHA)
We must all be involved and take actions now. Please express your concerns and opinions to stop the dismantling of such a valued resource. Dimensions will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates.