NWRA: NIOSH cuts a step in the wrong direction

The National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA), Arlington, Virginia, has issued a statement saying it is saddened by the removal of hundreds of researchers and scientists from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) this week. The association says these cuts will adversely affect the waste and recycling industry in multiple ways, including worker safety, compliance assistance for American businesses, innovative research and educational products for workers and businesses.  

“Our industry is committed to the safety of our employees, with a goal of moving off of the top 10 deadliest industries list by 2034,” says Michael E. Hoffman, NWRA president and CEO. “NIOSH’s Health Hazard Evaluation (HHE) programs benefit American businesses by providing nonpunitive assistance in solving complex occupational safety problems. NIOSH has conducted numerous HHEs at disposal sites and e-waste recycling facilities, which have resulted in practical solutions that help businesses combat the high cost of occupational injuries and illnesses and keep the workforce safe.”   

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For years, NIOSH researchers have collaborated with the business community on innovations that advance worker protection and safety, NWRA says. NIOSH respirator certifications are relied upon by more than 50 million American workers who use them daily. Sensor technology researched at NIOSH is used in advancing automation, artificial intelligence and robotics, all of which drive greater safety for employees and the public, according to the association. This innovation also drives billions of dollars in productivity savings to American businesses, improving their competitive advantage internationally.  

“The educational materials, like the NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards, are invaluable for businesses of all sizes,” says Kirk Sander, NWRA senior vice president, chief of safety and standards. “They help identify and control chemical hazards, guide PPE selection and ultimately reduce injuries, illnesses and operational costs—strengthening America’s competitive edge.”  

NIOSH professionals have played a critical role in advancing workplace safety standards, and their absence would be a significant setback to protecting America’s workers and business interests, NWRA says. The association says it urges the Trump Administration and the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, to reconsider how these cuts would directly affect the dedicated men and women who keep U.S. communities running through the daily collection, processing and disposal of the nation’s waste and recycling. Swift action to restore NIOSH is essential to safeguard the health and safety of this vital workforce.