National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)

What is NIOSH?
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal
agency responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention
of work-related injury and illness. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services.
History of NIOSH
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created both NIOSH and the
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA is in the U.S. Department of
Labor and is responsible for developing and enforcing workplace safety and health
regulations. NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the
Department of Health and Human Services.
NIOSH is an agency established to help assure safe and healthful working conditions
for working men and women by providing research, information, education, and training in
the field of occupational safety and health. Information pertaining to the specific
responsibilities of NIOSH are found in Section 22 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act
of 1970 (29 CFR 671). Additionally, the Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act
of 1977 delegated additional authority to NIOSH for coal mine health research.
Function of NIOSH (General)

Develop recommendations for occupational safety and health standards;

Perform all functions of the Secretary of Health and Human Services under Sections

20 and 21 of the Act

Conduct Research on Worker Safety and Health (Section 20)
Conduct Training and Employee Education (Section 21)
Develop information on safe levels of exposure to toxic materials and harmful

physical agents and substances;

Conduct research on new safety and health problems;
Conduct on-site investigations (Health Hazard Evaluations) to determine the toxicity

of materials used in workplaces (42 CFR Parts 85 and 85a); and

Fund research by other agencies or private organizations through grants, contracts,
and other arrangements.

Goals and Objective of NIOSH

Goal 1: Conduct research to reduce work-related illnesses and injuries.

Track work-related hazards, exposures, illnesses and injuries for prevention.

Generate new knowledge through intramural and extramural research programs.
Develop innovative solutions for difficult-to-solve problems in high-risk industrial
sectors.
Goal 2: Promote safe and healthy workplaces through interventions, recommendations
and capacity building.

Enhance the relevance and utility of recommendations and guidance.

Transfer research findings, technologies and information into practice.
Build capacity to address traditional and emerging hazards.
Goal 3: Enhance international workplace safety and health through global collaborations.

Take a leadership role in developing a global network of occupational health centers.

Investigate alternative approaches to workplace illness and injury reduction and
provide technical assistance to put solutions in place.
Build global professional capacity to address workplace hazards through training,
information sharing and research experience.

References
1. http://www.toxipedia.org/pages/viewpage.action?pageId=6007322
2. http://www.eoearth.org/view/article/154777/
3. http://www.niosh.com.my/