NIOSH Layoffs Gut Worker Safety Programs Amidst Outrage
A near-total layoff of NIOSH staff occurred Friday, halting crucial programs including firefighter and miner safety initiatives, and the approval of vital personal protective equipment (PPE) like N95 masks. This followed an initial round of layoffs in April, effectively shutting down new investigations into workplace hazards and public health projects. The cessation of the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory’s work leaves hundreds of PPE applications unprocessed and jeopardizes worker safety. While the HHS claims essential services will continue, laid-off employees dispute this, highlighting the disruption to critical functions and the lack of ongoing negotiations with unions due to a challenged executive order.
John Q. Hosedrinker