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NIOSH Programs > Global Collaborations > Research to Practice Global CollaborationsOutputs: Research to PracticeHistorically, NIOSH has been a leader in applying research into workplace solutions that reduce injury and illness. Research to Practice (r2p) is a NIOSH initiative focused on the transfer and translation of research findings, technologies, and information into highly effective prevention practices and products which are adopted in the workplace. The goal of r2p is to increase workplace use of effective NIOSH and NIOSH-funded research findings. NIOSH continues to work with our partners to focus research on ways to develop effective products, translate research findings into practice, target dissemination efforts, and evaluate and demonstrate the effectiveness of these efforts in improving worker health and safety. Silicosis training in Zambia Participants at the NIOSH Spirometry Course. In January 2006, a NIOSH team from the Divison of Respiratory Disease Studies provided technical assistance to the Zambian National Institute for Scientific and Industrial Research (NISIR) through a training of occupational healthcare providers in Kitwe, Zambia. The assistance will help build capacity in Zambia for monitoring respiratory health, diagnosis, and medical management of miners who work in Zambian copper mines. The training reflected NIOSH's role as a World Health Organization (WHO) Collaborating Center in Occupational Health, and a partner in an International Labor Organization (ILO) / WHO global program to eliminate the incurable but preventable work-related disease of silicosis. The NIOSH team presented training in skills and procedures that are key for identifying potential incidences of work-related silicosis in time to provide effective interventions. This is an example of sharing the results of research to practice from the US to Zambia. India Silicosis PreventionIn January 2006, in response to a request from the National Institute of Occupational Health (NIOH), Indian Council of Medical Research, NIOSH Mining Engineer Andrew Cecala traveled to Beawar, India to provide technical assistance and information for preventing silicosis among workers (including women employees) from potential exposures to respirable silica dusts. Assistance included suggestions for cost-effective engineering control techniques, many of which were developed by NIOSH and directly applicable to these operations. He also participated in an Indo-US Workshop, providing an overview of the NIOSH silica dust control research program and the various components of silicosis prevention. Information exchange through this cooperative working relationship will continue into the future to assist in reducing silicosis among the mining workforces in India and the UnitedStates. Further information about this project is available from Andrew Cecala, ACecala@cdc.gov. Findings and recommendations from NIOSH’s program of silicosis prevention research are available on the NIOSH Silica topic page. Americas Plan to Eliminate SilicosisThe Ministry of Health in Chile requested technical assistance from NIOSH to strengthen capacity in order that the country can provide leadership in carrying out a National Plan to Eliminate Silicosis and to assist other countries in the region, in the framework of the ILO / WHO Global Program for the Elimination of Silicosis in the World by the year 2030. NIOSH professionals are sharing knowledge, development of methodologies for control of silica exposures, laboratory techniques for measuring silica, advice on surveillance systems, experience with the NIOSH respiratory protection program, training courses, apprenticeships of Chilean professionals at NIOSH, and visits by NIOSH professionals to Chile to work with colleagues. The exposure situations of special interest include the Mining Sector, the Arid Sectors, Stone Craftsmanship, and Dental Laboratories. A NIOSH team visited Santiago, Chile in September 2006 to provide two days of courses and to work with colleagues in mining workplaces to design engineering controls for exposure situations. Work will continue throughout 2006 and 2007 to transfer the results of research to practice in the US to Chile and other countries in the Americas. |
NIOSH Program:Global Collaborations |
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