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More than 100 current and former staff from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have written to Congress warning that proposed job cuts could severely compromise worker safety across the US.
The group says sweeping reductions at the federal agency threaten to dismantle its ability to conduct research, certify safety equipment and support health programmes for vulnerable workers, including 9/11 survivors. The letter claims over 90% of the workforce has received formal notice of possible redundancy and has been placed on administrative leave.
The correspondence, addressed to leaders of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, is being shared as Congress prepares to review President Trump’s Health and Human Services (HHS) budget proposal for the 2026 fiscal year. It was obtained by NBC News ahead of the upcoming session with HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
NIOSH sits within the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and operates under HHS. Its remit includes research into occupational health risks, maintenance of industrial safety standards, and oversight of major health programmes for first responders.
Workplace research and prevention programmes at risk
Established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970, NIOSH plays a parallel role to OSHA. While OSHA is responsible for regulatory enforcement, NIOSH focuses on setting a long-term vision for safe working environments through science-led research and collaboration with employers.
Staff warn that plans to scale back operations will effectively end the agency’s mission. “Nearly all of NIOSH’s functions will be ended permanently,” the letter states.
Among those speaking out is Michael O’Connell, a former firefighter involved in the post-9/11 rescue effort, who now relies on NIOSH’s World Trade Center Health Program for ongoing care. “It’s bureaucratic cruelty,” he said. “They’re trying to save money, which is fine, but don’t do it on the backs of the 9/11 community.”
NIOSH Director John Howard has told employees that some functions may transition to the new Administration for a Healthy America, but concerns remain over what will be lost in the process.
Scientific leaders call for intervention
The letter is signed by a number of prominent scientists, including lithium battery exposure researcher Micah Niemeier-Walsh, nanotechnology safety expert Gary Roth, and epidemiologist Scott Laney of the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program.
Laney said the cuts are already having an impact, citing delays in the processing of X-rays for coal miners potentially suffering from black lung disease.
The letter calls on Congress to preserve NIOSH within the CDC framework and reject efforts to weaken federal oversight of workplace safety.
“The administration’s activities over the past several months have almost completely impeded NIOSH’s ability to carry out its mission,” the group warns.
Signatories say protecting NIOSH is critical as the country calls for increased economic activity in sectors such as mining and manufacturing. They conclude by urging lawmakers to send a message of continued support for American workers.
The potential dismantling of NIOSH should raise immediate concerns about the future of workplace safety standards, employee health monitoring and access to trusted occupational health data. Such developments place greater onus on internal HR and safety teams to maintain protection protocols, especially in high-risk sectors, as the support structures traditionally provided by NIOSH face collapse.
