Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 401-3749
May 24, 2005

A new National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) web topic page describes the purpose, scope, and components of a new evaluation of NIOSH research programs by the National Academies. The topic page is located at www.cdc.gov/niosh/nas.

NIOSH requested the evaluation with respect to the impact, relevance, and future directions of its programs. The request reflects NIOSH's commitment to expert external review of its research programs. The National Academies were asked not only to evaluate what NIOSH research programs are producing, but also to determine the extent to which NIOSH research is responsible for changes in the workplace that reduce the risk of occupational injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Fifteen such NIOSH programs will be evaluated. NIOSH asked the National Academies to evaluate NIOSH's programs for hearing loss prevention and mining injury and illness prevention first.

The evaluation is being undertaken by the National Research Council (NRC) and the Institute of Medicine (IOM) in the National Academies. To accomplish this, the National Academies established a 15-member framework committee of eminent scientists, chaired by David Wegman, M.D., Dean of the School of Health and Environment at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell.

"NIOSH very much looks forward to utilizing the advice and recommendations from the National Academies evaluation," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "Through this process, we can greatly improve the safety and health of American workers."

Included on the topic page are a brief description of the evaluation and links to pertinent documents, including the National Academies description of the project scope, a list of the members of the framework committee, copies of presentations by NIOSH representatives at the first meeting under the review, on May 5, 2005, and past reports by the National Academies from projects undertaken at NIOSH's request.

For additional information on NIOSH scientific research and recommendations, contact toll-free 1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674) or visit www.cdc.gov/niosh.