Page 8 - OHS, April/May 2025

E D I T O R ’ S C O M M E N T A R Y
Protecting NIOSH
Why HHS’s recent NIOSH layoff s should worry us—and how to help.
If you’re a regular reader of OHSonline.com and our eNewsletter,
then you caught the recent news about the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) layoff s, but in case you
missed it, let’s review:
On April 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
implemented signifi cant workforce reductions that included 873
positions at NIOSH—about two-thirds of the institute’s staff . HHS said
these cuts are part of a broader restructuring plan, with a probable
eff ective date for the layoff s of June 30.
Th is worries me, given NIOSH’s essential role in workplace safety. Established in 1970,
NIOSH has been instrumental in conducting research and developing interventions to prevent
workplace injuries and illnesses. Its work supports various sectors by providing critical data,
safety standards, and training programs that protect millions of workers across the nation. Th e
reduction of NIOSH’s workforce is expected to have far-reaching consequences:
• Research limitations. Th e downsizing may hinder ongoing and future research initiatives
aimed at identifying and mitigating occupational hazards
• Safety standard development. With fewer personnel, the capacity to develop and update
safety standards could be compromised, potentially aff ecting worker protections.
• Training program support. NIOSH’s ability to support worker training programs, which
are essential for educating employees about safety practices, might be diminished.
Various safety organizations have expressed deep concern over these cuts. American Society
of Safety Professionals (ASSP) President Pam Walaski emphasized in a public statement that
weakening NIOSH could lead to a “profound loss for workers, businesses, and our nation as
a whole.” Similarly, National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (National COSH)
Executive Director Jessica Martinez added in another statement that “changes to its [NIOSH]
structure must not compromise its mission or the well-being of workers.”
As professionals dedicated to occupational safety, it is crucial to take proactive steps to
support NIOSH’s mission:
1. Contact your legislators. Reach out to your congressional Representative and Senators via
the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to express your concerns about the impact of these
cuts on worker safety and public health.
2. Engage with professional associations. Participate in advocacy eff orts organized by
professional bodies as they coordinate eff orts to infl uence policy decisions.
3. Raise public awareness. Your expert voice matters. Use social media, industry conferences,
and community forums to inform others about the importance of NIOSH and the potential
consequences of its downsizing.
By collectively voicing our support, we can hopefully encourage HHS to reverse its course
and ensure that NIOSH continues its vital role in advancing worker safety and health.
DAVID KOPF
Publisher & Executive Editor, OH&S Magazine
www.ohsonline.com
VOLUME 95 NUMBER 2
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6 Occupational Health & Safety | APRIL/MAY 2025 www.ohsonline.com