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An open letter supported by 130 organizations representing the "Friends of NIOSH" was sent to leading House and Senate Republican committee chairs and ranking Democrats states in March. 

Let’s be blunt: Gutting worker protections isn’t about good governance — it’s about power, politics, and profit. And workers are the ones paying the price.

Federal health and safety initiatives are in trouble as NIOSH is decimated and OSHA’s fate is up in the air.

The decision to restructure NIOSH will have severe consequences for both U.S. workers and the public, especially concerning their respiratory protection approval process.

The organization says impending NIOSH cuts are troubling as well as a government proposal not to renew leases at several area OSHA offices.

In this exclusive op/ed for ISHN magazine, former OSHA leader says “closing OSHA area offices may be penny-wise, but it is well-beyond pound-foolish.”  

This restructuring marks a significant shift in workplace safety oversight, with many experts fearing a loss of scientific expertise, reduced regulatory effectiveness, and an increase in workplace hazards.

Approximately 873 staff from a total of more than 1,300 employees are expected to be cut from NIOSH.

Closing the lab that tests and approves all occupational respiratory equipment brings into question whether or not respirators will be independently certified in the future.

The U.S. House of Representatives Education and Workforce Committee wants OSHA to halt four rulemaking efforts.