Protecting NIOSH
The recent HHS layoffs at NIOSH significantly jeopardize the research, standards, and training that form the foundation of workplace safety.
- By David Kopf
- May 01, 2025
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) layoffs, but in case you missed it, let’s review:
On April 1, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) implemented significant 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 effective date for the layoffs of June 30.
This 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. The reduction of NIOSH’s workforce is expected to have far-reaching consequences:
- Research limitations. The 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 affecting 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:
- 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.
- Engage with professional associations. Participate in advocacy efforts organized by professional bodies as they coordinate efforts to influence policy decisions.
- 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.
This article originally appeared in the April/May 2025 issue of Occupational Health & Safety.
About the Author
David Kopf is the publisher and executive editor of Occupational Health & Safety magazine.