#United States #Washington #National Safety Council #OSHA funding #NIOSH funding

National Safety Council Applauds Senate Appropriations Bill

On August 1, 2025, the National Safety Council (NSC) expressed strong approval following the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee's passage of crucial legislation designed to maintain funding levels for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This legislation is significant as it seeks to ensure the continued protection of American workers by stabilizing the budget allocations for federal safety programs.

Key Provisions of the Funding Bill

The latest funding bill, known as the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, received a favorable vote of 26 to 3 within the committee, underscoring bipartisan support for worker safety. The act guarantees that OSHA's funding will remain at the same level as FY 2025, while NIOSH's budget will see a slight increase. This move is critical in enhancing the capacity of both agencies to carry out their safety missions effectively.

Lorraine Martin, the NSC’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this funding in her statement, urging ongoing support from both the House and the full Senate. She stated, "We applaud the Senate Appropriations Committee on its decisive vote to keep funding steady for OSHA and NIOSH. We urge the House and full Senate to approve these funding levels, which are necessary to keep America safe at work.” This call to action highlights the agency's proactive role in fostering a safe work environment.

Addressing Workplace Safety Challenges

Among the safety challenges scrutinized by the committee are issues like opioid use and heat-related injuries in the workplace. The committee highlighted alarming statistics revealing that 75% of employers acknowledge the impact of opioid use on their workplaces. However, only 17% of these employers feel adequately prepared to manage this critical issue. As a response, the committee has encouraged the Secretary of Labor to develop guidelines that will aid employers in providing necessary overdose prevention training and medication to their staff.

In addition to this crucial advice, the committee is mindful of the ongoing uncertainty surrounding NIOSH's budget, which faced an alarming proposal of an 80% cut earlier this year by the Department of Health and Human Services. The committee's report reiterates NIOSH's pivotal role in safeguarding the health of workers, recognizing it as the sole federal body tasked with researching and recommending strategies to mitigate work-related injuries and illnesses. Consequently, they directed the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to ensure the continuity of research initiatives at NIOSH centers nationwide.

The Importance of NSC and Worker Safety

For over a century, the National Safety Council has been at the forefront of advocating for safety and health in the workplace. The organization aims to eliminate the leading causes of preventable injuries and fatalities, focusing its efforts primarily on workplaces and road safety. By promoting a culture of safety, the NSC not only contributes to preventing accidents but also enhances overall public health and well-being.

This recent development showcases the vital connection between legislative action and worker safety initiatives. As the conversation continues around the critical nature of keeping agencies like OSHA and NIOSH funded, the NSC remains dedicated to championing safer work environments for all employees across the nation. Staying vigilant against trends and risks in workplace safety is more crucial than ever, as highlighted by the current emphasis on addressing the opioid crisis and severe weather-related injuries.

Conclusion

As the bill moves to the full Senate, the National Safety Council is optimistic about securing the necessary funding to continue its mission. By advocating for essential safety measures, the NSC aims to ensure that the impositions of preventable deaths and injuries in the workplace are significantly reduced, paving the way for a safer future for all workers.