Friends of NIOSH

03/13/2026

I delighted at funding restoration and my LOVE and Respect for those dedicated NIOSH Staff that road through this crisis and returned.

By: Leann Cyr, Executive DirectorAMSEA is excited to share fantastic news for the future of commercial fishing safety in the U.S. On January 14, 2026, the Department of Health and Human Services rescinded all layoffs of NIOSH employees who had been placed on administrative leave since last April due...

02/14/2026

02/06/2026

If you're aiming to eat a more well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet in 2026, add Wild Alaska Sole to your shopping list.

Packed with protein and heart and brain-boosting omega-3s, sole provides a delicious way to meet essential nutrient goals. The fillets are quick to cook and easy to pair with your favorite ingredients, so a nutritious meal is always within reach, even on the busiest days.

Keep Wild Alaska Sole (Wild Alaska Flounder in the U.S.) on hand for quick, nutritious meals in 2026.

More nutrition info here: http://bit.ly/4jRPdFB

02/06/2026

The 2026 Commercial Fisheries Apprenticeship application is now open! Check out our website (www.cfcri.org/apprenticeship) for more information about the program and for the application. Applications are open until April 15th, 2026. If you have any questions, please reach out!

04/04/2025

reposting




Help Us Save NIOSH!

On April 1st, the NIOSH workforce was fired, ending 50 years of infrastructure and programs that reduced and prevented workplace injuries, illnesses, and deaths. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 established NIOSH to focus on the study of worker safety and health. Its mission is to develop new knowledge in the field of occupational safety and health and to transfer that knowledge into the workplace.

NIOSH's presence and investments are not only impactful, they are essential, and we rely on them. NIOSH’s budget is only about $2.20 per worker annually ($338 Million), while occupational injuries and illnesses cost the U.S. economy approximately $250 billion each year. Even small improvements in workplace safety generate substantial savings in healthcare costs, workers' compensation, and lost productivity (Leigh, 2011).

In the Pacific Northwest there are three NIOSH funded centers dedicated to providing occupational health research, education and training to employers and employees, these are:
Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (University of WA) Northwest Center for Occupational Health & Safety (University of WA)
Oregon Healthy Workforce Center (Oregon Health & Science University).




What You Can Do - Take Action!

Call and email your legislators. Visit congress.org/members and enter your address to find your legislator's contact information.

Urge them to express strong support for reinstating NIOSH, emphasizing its critical role in safeguarding the health and safety of American workers, sustaining the productivity of U.S. businesses, and promoting the overall health of the U.S. economy.

Call the members of the Senate HELP Committee who are planning a Congressional Hearing on April 10th to address the restructuring of HHS.

Encourage organizations and stakeholders—including unions, professional societies, businesses, and community partners—to engage with their legislative contacts.

Additionally, consider raising awareness on social media by sharing posts from colleagues and trusted sources. You can also create your own posts to encourage further amplification.


Contact Us

Occupational Safety and Health Continuing Education
Phone: (800) 326-7568
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: oshce.uw.edu


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University of Washington 4225 Roosevelt Way NE Suite 100 Seattle, Washington 98105 United States (206) 616-6569

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04/03/2025

Entered the following question prompt into Grok AI out of curiousity…. First attempt…

Analyze worker fatality and injury rates prior to the creation of NIOSH in 1971 and compare to today (most recent data). What has the reduction been? How many lives can it be estimated that NiOSH’s efforts have saved? How many disabling injuries and illnesses can it be estimated that NIOSHs efforts have saved? What is the Toto Al direct and indirect economic costs of those deaths, injuries and illnesses had they occurred? What is the total cost of NIOSHs efforts in that time period? What is the cost to society for broken families who lost their father/mother? What is the cost per life saved? Per debilitating injury or illness avoided? With NIOSH having been gutted by DOGE on April 1st, 2025, what are the near term (6-12 months) savings and potential costs to society? Analyze the same savings vs potential costs of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in 2 year periods out to 10 years?

The answer from Grok AI

This is a complex request requiring detailed historical data, statistical analysis, and economic modeling. I’ll provide an evidence-based response using available information, supplemented by reasonable estimates where exact data is unavailable, while adhering to the constraints of my knowledge and tools. Since the current date is April 2, 2025, and NIOSH was reportedly "gutted" on April 1, 2025, I’ll treat future projections as speculative based on historical trends and available insights.

1. Worker Fatality and Injury Rates: Pre-1971 vs. Today
Pre-1971 (Before NIOSH):

Before the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) of 1970, which created NIOSH and OSHA, workplace safety data was less systematically collected. However, estimates from the National Safety Council (NSC) and other sources indicate that in 1970, approximately 13,800 workers died from job-related injuries—about 38 deaths per day. With a workforce of roughly 56 million, this translates to a fatality rate of around 24.6 per 100,000 workers.

Injury data from 1972 (the earliest year with reliable BLS data) shows 10.9 incidents per 100 workers. Pre-1971 rates were likely higher due to weaker safety standards, possibly 11-12 incidents per 100 workers, based on historical trends.
Today (Most Recent Data, 2023):

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 5,283 workers died in 2023, with a workforce of approximately 150 million full-time equivalent (FTE) workers, yielding a fatality rate of 3.5 per 100,000 workers.
The nonfatal injury and illness rate in 2023 was 2.4 per 100 workers (BLS data).
Reduction:

Fatality Rate Reduction: From 24.6 to 3.5 per 100,000 workers, an 86% decrease.
Injury Rate Reduction: From an estimated 11-12 to 2.4 per 100 workers, a 78-80% decrease.

2. Lives Saved by NIOSH Efforts
NIOSH, established in 1971, conducts research and provides recommendations to prevent workplace injuries and deaths, often in tandem with OSHA’s regulatory enforcement. Attributing lives saved solely to NIOSH is challenging due to overlapping efforts, but we can estimate based on fatality rate declines.

Baseline Without NIOSH: If the 1970 fatality rate (24.6 per 100,000) persisted, with today’s workforce of 150 million, approximately 36,900 deaths would occur annually.

Actual Deaths (2023): 5,283.
Annual Lives Saved: 36,900 - 5,283 = ~31,617.

Total Since 1971 (1972-2023, 52 years): Assuming a gradual decline, averaging half the current savings annually (15,808 lives/year), NIOSH-related efforts may have saved approximately 821,000 lives. The AFL-CIO estimates over 668,000 lives saved since the OSH Act, aligning with this range.

3. Disabling Injuries and Illnesses Prevented
Pre-1971 Estimate: No precise data exists, but if 11-12% of workers (56 million) experienced injuries/illnesses annually, with 20-30% being disabling (based on modern ratios), 1.2-2 million disabling cases occurred yearly.

Today (2023): The BLS reports 2.4 incidents per 100 workers, with about 25% disabling (e.g., days away from work), equating to ~900,000 cases for 150 million workers.

Annual Reduction: 1.2-2 million - 900,000 = 300,000 to 1.1 million fewer disabling cases.

Total Since 1971: Assuming a midpoint of 700,000 annually over 52 years, NIOSH efforts may have prevented ~36.4 million disabling injuries/illnesses.

4. Economic Costs of Deaths, Injuries, and Illnesses Avoided
Deaths: The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates the cost per workplace fatality at $1.79 million (2023 dollars), including medical, productivity, and indirect costs. For 821,000 lives saved, total cost avoided = $1.47 trillion.

Disabling Injuries/Illnesses: NSC estimates $67,000 per disabling injury (2023 dollars). For 36.4 million cases, total cost avoided = $2.44 trillion.
Total Direct and Indirect Costs Avoided: $1.47 trillion + $2.44 trillion = ~$3.91 trillion over 52 years.

5. Total Cost of NIOSH Efforts (1971-2025)
NIOSH’s budget varies annually, but historical appropriations averaged $200-300 million (adjusted to 2023 dollars). For 54 years (1971-2025), assuming an average of $250 million/year:

Total Cost: 54 × $250 million = ~$13.5 billion. This excludes partner contributions, but it’s a reasonable estimate of federal investment.

6. Societal Cost of Broken Families
Quantifying the emotional and social cost of losing a parent is subjective. Studies suggest indirect costs (e.g., lost household production, mental health impacts) add 50-100% to economic losses per death. For 821,000 deaths avoided:

Additional Societal Cost Avoided: $0.74-$1.47 trillion, bringing total societal savings to $4.65-$5.38 trillion.

7. Cost Per Life Saved and Injury Avoided
Cost Per Life Saved: $13.5 billion ÷ 821,000 = ~$16,443.
Cost Per Disabling Injury/Illness Avoided: $13.5 billion ÷ 36.4 million = ~$371.

8. NIOSH Gutted by DOGE (April 1, 2025): Near-Term (6-12 Months) Savings and Costs
Savings:

NIOSH’s 2025 budget was likely ~$350 million (based on recent trends). Elimination saves $175-350 million in 6-12 months.
Potential Costs:

Without NIOSH research, fatality and injury rates may rise. A 5% reversion to pre-NIOSH rates (e.g., fatality rate from 3.5 to 4.2 per 100,000) adds ~1,050 deaths/year (150 million × 0.0007) and ~150,000 injuries (1% increase).
Economic Cost: 1,050 deaths × $1.79 million = $1.88 billion; 150,000 injuries × $67,000 = $10.05 billion. Total = ~$11.93 billion in 12 months.
Net Cost: $11.93 billion - $0.35 billion = $11.58 billion loss.

9. Savings vs. Costs Over 2-Year Periods (Out to 10 Years)
Assuming a gradual increase in rates without NIOSH (e.g., 5% per 2 years, plateauing at 20% reversion):

Year 2 (2027): Savings = $700 million; Costs = 2,100 deaths ($3.76 billion) + 300,000 injuries ($20.1 billion) = $23.86 billion. Net loss = $23.16 billion.

Year 4 (2029): Savings = $1.4 billion; Costs = 4,200 deaths ($7.52 billion) + 600,000 injuries ($40.2 billion) = $47.72 billion. Net loss = $46.32 billion.

Year 6 (2031): Savings = $2.1 billion; Costs = 6,300 deaths ($11.28 billion) + 900,000 injuries ($60.3 billion) = $71.58 billion. Net loss = $69.48 billion.

Year 8 (2033): Savings = $2.8 billion; Costs = 8,400 deaths ($15.04 billion) + 1.2 million injuries ($80.4 billion) = $95.44 billion. Net loss = $92.64 billion.

Year 10 (2035): Savings = $3.5 billion; Costs = 8,400 deaths ($15.04 billion) + 1.2 million injuries ($80.4 billion) = $95.44 billion. Net loss = $91.94 billion.
Conclusion

NIOSH’s efforts since 1971 have likely saved over 821,000 lives and prevented 36.4 million disabling injuries/illnesses, avoiding $3.91-$5.38 trillion in costs at a modest $13.5 billion investment. Its elimination on April 1, 2025, may yield short-term savings but risks massive long-term economic and societal losses, far outweighing any fiscal benefits within 6-12 months and escalating dramatically over 10 years.

These estimates hinge on historical trends continuing without NIOSH, a plausible but uncertain assumption given other safety factors (e.g., OSHA, private industry efforts).

04/03/2025

Entered Some questions into ChatGPT

Since the establishment of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in 1971, there have been significant improvements in workplace safety across the United States. In 1970, approximately 14,000 workers were killed on the job. By 2021, despite the workforce more than doubling, workplace deaths decreased to about 5,190. This represents a reduction of over 63% in annual worker fatalities. 

The AFL-CIO estimates that more than 668,000 workers’ lives have been saved since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSH Act) in 1970. While it’s challenging to attribute this reduction solely to NIOSH, as other agencies like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also play crucial roles, NIOSH’s research and recommendations have been instrumental in developing safety standards and preventive measures. 

In 2021, employers reported nearly 3.2 million work-related injuries and illnesses. However, due to widespread underreporting, the true toll is estimated to be between 5.4 million to 8.1 million each year in private industry. Although specific figures on the number of disabling injuries and illnesses prevented due to NIOSH’s efforts are not readily available, the overall decline in workplace injuries and illnesses over the past five decades suggests a substantial positive impact. 

The economic burden of occupational injuries and illnesses is substantial, with estimates ranging from $174 billion to $348 billion annually. These costs encompass medical expenses, lost productivity, and other related expenditures. While precise data on the total cost of NIOSH’s efforts since its inception are not readily available, the agency’s annual budget has typically ranged between $300 million to $400 million in recent years. Given this, the cumulative investment in NIOSH over five decades is significantly outweighed by the economic savings resulting from reduced workplace injuries and fatalities. 

Quantifying the societal cost of broken families who have lost a parent due to workplace incidents is complex. Beyond the immediate economic impact, these tragedies inflict profound emotional and psychological distress on families and communities. While assigning a monetary value to such losses is challenging, the overarching goal of agencies like NIOSH is to prevent these incidents and the associated human costs.

Calculating the cost per life saved or per debilitating injury or illness avoided involves complex analyses and is influenced by numerous variables. However, considering the substantial reductions in workplace fatalities and injuries since NIOSH’s establishment, coupled with the economic savings from prevented incidents, it is evident that the agency’s efforts have been cost-effective.

With NIOSH facing significant budget cuts as of April 1, 2025, there are concerns about the potential near-term and long-term impacts on workplace safety. In the immediate 6-12 months, reduced funding may lead to decreased research activities, fewer safety recommendations, and diminished support for occupational health programs. This could result in an uptick in workplace incidents, leading to increased human and economic costs.

Projecting into two-year periods over the next decade, the absence or reduction of NIOSH’s contributions could potentially reverse the progress made in occupational safety over the past 50 years. Increased workplace injuries and fatalities would not only lead to higher direct costs, such as medical expenses and compensation, but also indirect costs, including lost productivity, training of replacement workers, and long-term societal impacts.

In conclusion, while the exact figures may vary, the evidence strongly suggests that NIOSH’s contributions have been instrumental in enhancing workplace safety, saving lives, and reducing economic burdens associated with occupational injuries and illnesses. Continued support and funding for NIOSH are essential to maintain and further these advancements. 

04/03/2025

Some history of NIOSH.

2021 is the 50th anniversary of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This video describes the origin of the institute, starting...

04/03/2025

Today, we hosted the Washington State Maritime Safety Day in Puyallup, WA, bringing together a vital cross-section of the maritime community—commercial fishing, shipyards, tug and tow, research vessels, commercial diving, and the Department of Natural Resources.

Sadly absent were Ted Teske and the NIOSH team, who regularly attend our safety programs to share the latest data on illness and injury trends, along with updates on life-saving interventions.

For months, NIOSH has been functionally under house arrest, barred from traveling, speaking, or collaborating with partners like us to make our industries safer. On April 1, 2025, the entire NIOSH team was laid off, effectively ending their ongoing and future efforts to protect American workers.

It is a sad day in America 🇺🇸 for the families of maritime workers and commercial fishermen who have lost this team of passionate advocates dedicated to saving lives.

The cost will be high. "

04/02/2025

April 1st, 2025

To our leadership in Washington DC

Subject: Support for NIOSH Programs in Agriculture, Forestry, and Commercial Fishing Safety Research

Leaders…

I write to you not just as a safety professional, but as someone who has lived the dangers of America’s most hazardous industries firsthand. I grew up on a farm in North Carolina, where my grandfather, my father, and I all suffered serious injuries - some nearly fatal - while working to put food on American tables. These experiences launched my career as a Safety Professional and fueled a lifetime commitment as a Volunteer First Responder starting on my local volunteer fire department when I was 16.

Later, in Wyoming, I worked in chemical manufacturing adjacent to deep mining operations while also responding to agricultural and ranching accidents as a Volunteer Firefighter, EMT, and Search & Rescue team member.

For the past 27 years, I have dedicated my career to commercial fishing
safety in Alaska and Washington, witnessing firsthand the toll this industry takes on the men and women who risk their lives to feed the nation.

Through my service on numerous advisory committees and panels—including various projects in the NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Research Program, the U.S. Coast Guard Fishing Vessel Safety Advisory Committee, the NTSB Fishing Vessel Safety Forum, OSHA’s Maritime
Advisory Committee, and the National Academy of Sciences—I have worked alongside DEDICATED federally funded experts to find common-sense solutions that keep workers alive. These aren’t abstract discussions in a Washington, D.C. boardroom. These are bootson-the-ground efforts that ensure fishermen, loggers, and farmers make it home to their families at the end of the day.

NIOSH plays a critical role in this work. Their small but highly effective team has developed life-saving research, collaborated with industry professionals, and used innovative outreach strategies to maximize impact. They don’t waste money—they stretch every dollar to protect workers in America’s deadliest occupations. Yet, these life-saving programs are now at risk.

Cutting funding for NIOSH research in agriculture, forestry, and fishing isn’t just bad policy—it’s a death sentence for hardworking Americans. Without continued support of NIOSH’s research and outreach, more parents won’t make it home, and more children will grow up without mothers and fathers. I
serve on the board of a charity that provides scholarships to kids who lost their parents in commercial fishing. You know what’s truly expensive? Orphans!

I urge the administration, the Department of Health and Human Services, and members of Congress to take immediate action to:
• RESTORE NIOSH!

* Ensure continued funding for NIOSH’s research in agriculture, forestry, and
commercial fishing safety so these critical programs can continue.
• Remove barriers that prevent NIOSH experts from attending industry
conferences and training sessions, where their research reaches the people who need it most.
• Support the common-sense model of partnering with industry professionals and advocates to amplify the impact of safety research and save more lives.

Without these efforts, more Americans will die just trying to earn an honest living feeding this nation.

The question before you is simple: Do we invest in cost-effective, commonsense safety solutions now, or do we pay the price in lives lost and families shattered later?

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to your leadership in ensuring the safety of America’s farmers, loggers, and fishermen.

Sincerely,

R. Alan Davis, CSP, OEC