ISEA Applauds Reinstatement of NIOSH Staff
The International Safety Equipment Association said reinstating NIOSH staff preserves critical worker safety research, testing, and health programs.
- By Stasia DeMarco
- Jan 16, 2026
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) welcomed the Trump Administration’s decision to reinstate staff at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), reversing recent layoffs and preserving key worker safety and health programs.
ISEA said the move helps ensure continuity for critical research and services, including respiratory protection testing and certification, mining safety research, and health screening programs for coal miners. The association emphasized that maintaining NIOSH’s workforce supports worker protection while providing stability and regulatory certainty for employers and safety equipment manufacturers.
NIOSH, part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, plays a central role in occupational safety and health research and the development of standards. The reinstatement follows widespread concern from industry and worker advocates about the impact of staffing reductions on essential safety programs.
About the Author
Stasia DeMarco brings a strong and varied journalism background to her role at Occupational Health & Safety, having previously served as a multimedia editor, broadcast journalist, professor and reviewer across major news organizations. As Content Editor, she writes news and feature articles, hosts sponsor and editorial webinars, co-hosts the SafetyPod worker health and safety podcast, and manages the brand’s digital and social media presence. She is committed to informing and engaging the safety community through compelling reporting and conversations that support safer, healthier workplaces.