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Agency specializing in harmful substances and workplace risks dismantled under Trump's leadership

Trump administration dismantles agency integral to researching and minimizing occupational risks from harmful substances and conditions.

,   and  Administrator
4 min read

Agency specializing in harmful substances and workplace risks dismantled under Trump's leadership

Revamped Title: America's Worker Safety on the Rocks: How Trump's Axe on NIOSH Leaves Workers Vulnerable to Deadly Chemicals and Diseases

The Trump administration's decision to dismantle the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a key player in protecting workers from harmful substances for over five decades, has left a trail of devastating consequences for America's workforce.

The axe wielded by Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will result in the loss of up to 900 employees by June, essentially gutted the agency. Dr. Robert Harrison, director of Occupational Health Services at the University of California San Francisco, describes the situation as "almost destroyed."

Housed within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH's mission spans numerous industries and hazards to prevent injury, illness, and death in the workplace. Remnants of the agency will consist solely of the World Trade Center Health Program and possibly more, given the impact of the personnel cuts. The move has sparked a fierce backlash, even within the Republican party, following the impact on firefighters and coal miners.

The prioritization of reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and other workplace hazards is a primary focus for NIOSH. Industrial hygienists, toxicologists, physicians, and others at the agency collaborate directly with industries to identify potential perils, not only for workers in those sectors but also to the general public.

However, the sudden elimination of entire teams and programs has brought essential functions to a grinding halt, with many of these functions proving challenging, if not impossible, to revive. Dr. Philip Landrigan, an epidemiologist at Boston College, provocatively states, "There's no way in the world that Mr. Kennedy's new agency is going to be able to protect workers' health after they've let 90% of the subject matter experts go."

In consequence, research initiatives, databases, investigations, and participatory studies have either ceased or been abandoned, leaving crucial health data at risk. The toxic legacy of these halts extends beyond a few industries, threatening every American worker.

For instance, a team that tracked cancer in firefighters discontinued enrollment. The team that assesses and approves respirators has ceased operations. The department responsible for greenlighting funding for local health departments and research centers has evaporated.

As a result, NIOSH no longer responds to requests to conduct on-the-ground investigations of health hazards within workplaces or other emergent threats, essentially leaving workers unprotected.

While the administration cites the need for streamlining government operations, insiders report an entirely different picture. Federal research initiatives aimed at safeguarding workers' health could face an uncertain future, compromising efforts to prevent chronic diseases caused by dangerous substances like formaldehyde and phthalates—substances the Trump administration claims to be concerned about.

The flames of discontent continue to burn as scientists like Catherine Blackwood watch their studies crumble, helpless to retrieve valuable research data or preserve biological samples. Drastic cuts, it seems, were an ill-considered step that leave the future of workplace health and safety dimmed.

Copyright 2025 NPR

  1. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), key in protecting workers from hazardous substances, faces dismantling by the Trump administration.
  2. By June, NIOSH will lose up to 900 employees, effectively gutting the agency, leaving it almost destroyed.
  3. housed within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, NIOSH works across industries to prevent workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths.
  4. Remnants of NIOSH will only cater to the World Trade Center Health Program and possibly more due to the impact from personnel cuts.
  5. The administration's decision has faced backlash, especially concerning firefighters and coal miners.
  6. NIOSH prioritizes reducing exposure to harmful chemicals and other workplace hazards.
  7. The sudden removal of entire teams and programs has halted essential functions, making revival challenging, if not impossible.
  8. Dr. Philip Landrigan, an epidemiologist at Boston College, questions whether the new agency will protect workers' health after letting 90% of experts go.
  9. Research initiatives, databases, investigations, and participatory studies have ceased or been abandoned, putting health data at risk.
  10. The discontinued firefighter cancer tracking team reduced enrollment for essential studies.
  11. The team approving respirators ceased operations, leaving essential protection measures on hold.
  12. The department responsible for funding local health departments and research centers has vanished.
  13. NIOSH no longer conducts investigations of health hazards in workplaces or unexpected threats.
  14. The administration justifies the move as streamlining government operations, but insiders report an entirely different picture.
  15. Federal initiatives aiming to secure workers' health could face uncertainty, compromising efforts to prevent chronic diseases from damaging substances.
  16. Scientists like Catherine Blackwood watch as their studies disintegrate, unable to recover valuable research data or save biological samples.
  17. The administration's move has raised concerns about the future of environmental health and workplace safety.
  18. Without NIOSH, the general public could also be exposed to potentially hazardous substances in the workplace.
  19. Media outlets are reporting on the alarming news of the repercussions of the NIOSH dismantling on the American workforce.
  20. Investigations into the safety of the workplace environment are imperative, especially in light of the sudden dismantling of NIOSH.
  21. Government transparency is crucial in the discussion of reforming workplace health regulations.
  22. The manufacturing industry could be hit hardest due to the removal of essential workers' wellness programs.
  23. Chronic diseases, including cancer, respiratory, and digestive conditions, might be on the rise due to inadequate safety measures in the workplace.
  24. Job-search platforms are at risk of overlooking key safety parameters when advertising job openings without NIOSH's inspection.
  25. Workplace-wellness programs must prioritize eye, hearing, skin, and mental health concerns to maintain comprehensive employee well-being.
  26. Within the retail sector, customers might be unknowingly exposed to hazardous materials due to reduced workplace inspections.
  27. Vulnerabilities within transportation infrastructure could lead to new hazards for workers in the industry.
  28. Cybersecurity breaches could reveal confidential information about workplace safety measures, putting workers at risk.
  29. Lifestyle changes promoting fitness and exercise can aid in mitigating the effects of hazardous workplace conditions.
  30. Adopting a proactive approach towards health and fitness helps boost the immune system, which in turn fights against chronic diseases.
Trump administration dismantles agency crucial for implementing research and safety measures against hazardous work conditions.
Workplace safety research and prevention initiatives have significantly weakened under the Trump administration, as a key agency tasked with these endeavors has been substantially undermined.
Trump administration severely undermines agency, essential for implementing research and safety measures to reduce workplace exposure to harmful substances and conditions.

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