In last month’s column, I spotlighted the job losses of many gifted researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), many of which are key contributors to the future of mining more safely and with better health behaviors. The layoffs, triggered by governmental cuts from the DOGE program, also have included agencies such as the Mine Safety and Health Administration, impacting U.S. mining’s most significant regulatory group, the Department of Energy and the National Energy Transfer Laboratory.
At press time, NAM learned that more than 100 NIOSH employees will be permanently reinstated – a crucial development after months of uncertainty that threatened the agency’s workforce and core safety programs. Many were at campuses in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
The issue goes back to March, when the Trump administration announced it was slashing 85% of the 1,100-person staff at NIOSH. It is key to note that, while reinstatements are taking a first step forward, many researchers’ careers remain on the chopping block and are in danger of permanent termination in June.
While we closely watch next steps to get these individuals back to their respective drawing boards, the International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) has led a campaign to defend NIOSH.
NIOSH’s respirator approval system – which many call the gold standard in respiratory protection – was at risk under proposed staffing cuts. Its reinstatement ensures the certification system stays intact at a time when global health and emergency readiness remain top priorities. “NIOSH’s respirator approval program isn’t just a bureaucratic process – it’s a life-saving measure,” added Dan Glucksman, ISEA senior director of policy.
ISEA, which has mobilized its member companies, engaged with Congress and federal agencies, and built a cross-sector coalition, are amplifying the message: protecting NIOSH is protecting the health, safety and resilience of America’s workforce.
Meantime, the American Federation of Government Employees locals, which represent NIOSH employees, held a rally in Washington, D.C. to protest the moves. Additionally, a 13-member group of labor unions, including the United Mine Workers of America, and supplier Dentec Safety, have filed suit against the Department of Health and Human Services for the NIOSH shutdown, which it calls unlawful. A group attorney, Bonnie Robin-Vergeer of Public Citizen, called NIOSH a “small but mighty agency” for its critical work that, it should be noted, includes non-mining industries.
On May 14 at a U.S. House meeting, HHS secretary Robert F. Kennedy said under oath that 328 NOISH employees have been reinstated. So, yes, it is an initial step. However, the work is far from done – and the mining industry, for one, is not one to sit around and rest on our laurels waiting on things to change. If you haven’t already, voice your support for those at NIOSH and other impacted agencies by writing to Washington, sending an email of support to those protesting, or calling one of the many taking a stand against these dangerous moves that could have an impact on mining for years to come. Our industry depends on it.
Donna Schmidt
Editor, North American Mining magazine
[email protected]
X: @Dschmidt_NAM