Donald M. Payne: “I am here to speak out against the 25- percent reduction to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.…”

“I am here to speak out against the 25- percent reduction to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. NIOSH is the only Federal agency charged with conducting research to identify the causes of work injuries and diseases and develop approaches by which workers can be protected. This is not to be confused with OSHA. OSHA does not conduct research, although they rely on it. Every day 17 Americans die from work injuries and illnesses. Every week 67,000 workers are disabled by workplace injuries and illnesses. What is more disappointing is the fact that most of these illnesses and injuries are preventable. NIOSH has been making a difference to working men and women. Research and studies conducted by NIOSH has led to a reduction in work-related injuries, however, we still have a long way to go. In July 1991, a 47-year old female had her entire scalp from the back of the neck to the browline removed. Other workers have needed amputation and on average about 16 workers have been killed annually in entanglements involving rotating drive lines on agricultural machinery. In 1991, NIOSH eased public concern over an unknown hazard and a possible link between use of video display terminals and a cluster of miscarriages.…”