Facing Pressure: HHS Reinstates Hundreds of Essential Occupational Health Workers

Supporters gathered outside a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) facility in Morgantown, West Virginia, voicing concerns over major layoffs planned for the agency. Initially, NIOSH intended to cut approximately 900 jobs, which would have decimated its workforce by over 90%.

The decision faced a significant backlash from labor groups and political leaders, especially from West Virginia. As a result, the Department of Health and Human Services decided to reinstate 328 employees, a move announced by Secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., during a congressional hearing.

These recovered positions include crucial roles at NIOSH facilities in Morgantown and Cincinnati, as well as within the World Trade Center Health Program, which supports first responders from the September 11 attacks. While this news has been welcomed, concerns remain about ongoing cuts that threaten the agency’s mission.

Dr. Robert Harrison, director of the Occupational Health Program at the University of California, San Francisco, emphasized that while it’s good to have some staff back, the core needs of American workers are still at risk. He highlighted that many industries—including construction, agriculture, and food services—rely on NIOSH for safety guidance.

Efforts to bring back affected employees included those focused on investigating workplace hazards, addressing respiratory health, and certifying personal protective equipment. John Howard, NIOSH’s director, expressed hope that further staff reinstatements would happen.

The reinstituted positions come amid tensions surrounding a proposed budget for NIOSH that faces scrutiny in Congress. During recent hearings, Secretary Kennedy was questioned about the elimination of key programs and enrollment issues within the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. He acknowledged the cuts were painful but necessary for managing federal debt.

While the reinstatement is a positive sign, many critical roles, particularly for mining safety and toxic chemical prevention, will remain vacant. Employees in Spokane and Pittsburgh face continued layoffs, indicating that not all programs can operate effectively without full staffing.

For more information about workplace safety topics, you can visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s NIOSH page.

Source link