NIOSH AND OSHA

NIOSH was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which also established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Although NIOSH and OSHA were created by the same Act of Congress, they are two distinct agencies with separate responsibilities. NIOSH is in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is a research agency. OSHA is in the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for creating and enforcing workplace safety and health regulations. NIOSH and OSHA often work together toward the common goal of protecting worker safety and health.

NIOSH is committed to a workplace where all people are respected as individuals and are valued for their contributions to accomplishing its mission. The NIOSH vision for diversity is to enhance the organization's ability to attract, recruit, hire, mentor, develop, retain, and serve a diverse population by fostering an inclusive environment that embraces, values and respects all individuals.

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.


NIOSH ORIGINS AND MISSION

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 in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and 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 responsibilities of NIOSH are found in Section 22 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (29 CFR § 671). The Institute is authorized to:

• 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.

NIOSH objectives include:

• Conduct research to reduce work-related illnesses and injuries.
• Promote safe and healthy workplaces through interventions, recommendations and capacity building.
• Enhance global workplace safety and health through international collaborations.
• NIOSH Topic pages - collections of occupational safety and health information arranged by subject.
• The Health Hazard Evaluation Program - investigates potentially hazardous working conditions when requested by employers or employees.
• The NIOSH Publications office and the NIOSH 1-800 Number - disseminate information on preventing workplace disease, injury, and disability.
• NIOSH Training opportunities - provide training to occupational safety and health professionals.
• Numerous Databases include the International Chemical Safety Cards, the Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, NIOSHTIC-2, and many more.