NEW YORK (AP) — Major staff cuts have hit the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a U.S. agency dedicated to worker safety. These cuts have ignited frustration among various worker groups, including firefighters, coal miners, and medical equipment manufacturers.
Recent estimates reveal that NIOSH, which is part of the CDC, could lose around 850 of its roughly 1,000 employees. This includes Dr. John Howard, who served as director under several presidential administrations and is known for crucial work on workplace safety issues. The layoffs threaten many essential programs, such as a firefighter cancer registry and a lab responsible for certifying respirators used in multiple industries. Micah Niemeier-Walsh, vice president of the union for NIOSH employees, called these cuts a "very pointed attack on workers."
Unions representing a range of professions, from miners to nurses, have voiced strong objections to the staff reductions. They believe that these cuts will hinder efforts to identify and prevent hazards in workplaces. Rallies have taken place in cities like Cincinnati, bringing together fired employees and union members from diverse fields.
NIOSH plays a crucial role in ensuring the health and safety of workers. The agency helps determine eligibility for the World Trade Center Health Program for first responders suffering after 9/11, according to Andrew Ansbro, a union leader for New York City firefighters. He expressed that dismantling NIOSH dishonors those who have fought for their health after the disaster.
NIOSH came into existence in 1970 under President Richard Nixon and has been pivotal in researching workplace safety for over 50 years. It has tackled various issues, from indoor air quality to health risks in mining. For instance, they have been instrumental in identifying black lung disease cases and setting safety standards that influence Department of Labor regulations.
The agency’s recent cuts stem from a broader shake-up at the Department of Health and Human Services, which included around 10,000 layoffs and organizational changes. An HHS spokesperson mentioned that the remaining staff of NIOSH would transition to a new agency called the Administration for a Healthy America.
However, the specific details of the cuts remain unclear. Reports indicate almost every program at NIOSH has faced severe reductions, with some vital initiatives, like the firefighter cancer registry, already halted due to the loss of IT support. Research involving animals in laboratories was abruptly stopped, likely resulting in wasted efforts that took years to develop.
One pressing concern stems from the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, which tests and certifies critical protective gear. Experts warn that shutting down this lab could give foreign manufacturers an edge by allowing them to sell products in the U.S. without adhering to rigorous safety standards. Eric Axel, of the American Medical Manufacturers Association, highlighted the unfair advantage this gives to companies that haven’t invested in quality and safety.
Rebecca Shelton, director of policy for the Appalachian Citizens’ Law Center, highlighted the human impact of these cuts. In central Appalachia, many know someone affected by black lung disease, a condition tied closely to mining. She worries about who will monitor these cases and trends as NIOSH cuts will greatly affect local communities.
Historically, NIOSH has been a beacon of research and protection for workers. Its contributions have saved millions, significantly impacting workers’ compensation rates across the country. Tessa Bonney, an occupational health educator, stresses that any disruption in their work could have far-reaching effects on employee safety across various sectors.
As these changes unfold, many affected are left questioning the future of workplace safety programs and the ongoing fight for healthier conditions for all workers. This situation underscores the importance of worker protections in an evolving economic landscape.
For more on workplace health and safety, you can visit the NIOSH website.
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