CDC - NIOSH Site

[sharon sanders]

National Institute of Safety and Health site:

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.


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 <dd>? Conduct Research on Worker Safety and Health (Section 20)</dd> <dd>? Conduct Training and Employee Education (Section 21)</dd>
• 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.

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Amendments Act of 1977 delegated additional authority to NIOSH for coal mine health research. The mine health and safety law authorized NIOSH to:

• Develop recommendations for mine health standards for the Mine Safety and Health Administration;
• Administer a medical surveillance program for miners, including chest X-rays to detect pneumoconiosos (black lung disease) in coal miners;
• Conduct on-site investigations in mines similar to those authorized for general industry under the OSH Act; and
• Test and certify personal protective equipment and hazard-measurement instruments.

NIOSH provides national and world leadership to prevent work-related illness, injury, disability, and death by gathering information, conducting scientific research, and translating the knowledge gained into products and services. NIOSH's mission is critical to the health and safety of every American worker.




http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/




Emergency Preparedness and Response link:



http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/emergency.html

 

[sharon sanders]

Re: CDC - NIOSH Site

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="746"> <tbody><tr> <td class="lines" valign="top" width="618"> Document for Public Review and Comment:



NIOSH/Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Portfolio Docket # NIOSH-126

</td> <td class="lines" align="right" valign="top" width="128"> February 2008

</td> </tr> <tr> <td colspan="3" height="10" valign="top">

</td> </tr> </tbody></table> The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health is conducting a public meeting and request for public comment on the Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Portfolio. Comments may be given orally at the following meeting, as well as provided to the NIOSH docket.
NIOSH/Emergency Preparedness and Response Research Portfolio Town Hall Meeting
Tuesday March 25, 2008, 8:30am-5:00pm EST
Hyatt Regency
Crystal City, 2799 Jefferson Davis HWY,
Arlington, VA 22202
Telephone (703) 418-1234
Topics for Discussion

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the strategic goals on the NIOSH website in order to prepare their comments/feedback around the following topics to be discussed.

• Give your opinion about the top three goals needed to improve the safety and health of emergency responders.
• Discuss why these are the top goals. Address any obstacles in achieving these goals.
• Talk about how research can help the nation address the top goals that you have identified. Provide a couple of examples of research ideas for each of your top goals identified.
• Discuss opportunities you see on the horizon that could lead to improvements in emergency responder safety and health.

Please include as much information as might be useful for understanding the safety or health research priority you identify. Such information could include characterization of the frequency and severity with which the injury, illness, or hazardous exposure is occurring and of the factors you believe might be causing the health or safety issue. Input is also requested on the types of research that you believe might make a difference and which partners (e.g., specific industry associations, labor organizations, research organizations, government agencies) should be involved in informing research efforts and solutions.
The public meeting is open to everyone, including all workers, professional societies, organized labor, employers, researchers, health professionals, government officials, and elected officials. The public meeting will address priorities for emergency preparedness and response research during both morning and afternoon public comment periods. Participants are invited to speak for 5 minutes about the discussion topics listed above. Participants may register to speak during either the morning or afternoon session, though they are encouraged to stay for both sessions.
Broad participation is desired. All participants are requested to register for the free meeting by emailing nioshdocket@cdc.gov or on site the day of the meeting, space permitting. Participants wishing to speak are encouraged to register early. This meeting is open to the public, limited only by the space available.
Written responses can be submitted in person at the meeting or by emailing nioshdocket@cdc.gov.
Supporting Materials:

More information about registering and attending the town hall meeting:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/epr/townhall.html
NIOSH Emergency Preparedness & Response Program Goals:
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/epr/goals.html