Systems

Agencies

NIOSH and OSHA
NIOSH was established by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 which also established the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Although NIOSH and OSHA were created by the same Act of Congress, they are two distinct agencies with separate responsibilities. NIOSH is in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and is a research agency. OSHA is in the U.S. Department of Labor and is responsible for creating and enforcing workplace safety and health regulations. NIOSH and OSHA often work together toward the common goal of protecting worker safety and health.

Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
The mission of the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is to administer the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) and to enforce compliance with mandatory safety and health standards as a means to eliminate fatal accidents; to reduce the frequency and severity of nonfatal accidents; to minimize health hazards; and to promote improved safety and health conditions in the Nation's mines.

Selected Occupational Safety and Health Tools

NIOSH maintains several tools that parties interested in aspects of occupational safety and health may find useful. More information can be found on the NIOSH Web site Databases and Information Resources page.

NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods (NMAM)
NMAM is a collection of methods for sampling and analysis of contaminants in workplace air, and in the blood and urine of workers who are occupationally exposed.

NMAM Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nmam/

NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG)
The NPG is intended as a source of general industrial hygiene information on several hundred chemicals/classes for workers, employers, and occupational health professionals.

NPG Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/npg/npg.html

International Chemical Safety Cards (WHO/IPCS/ILO)
ICSC cards summarize essential health and safety information on chemicals for their use at the "shop floor" level by workers and employers in factories, agriculture, construction and other work places.

IPCS Web site: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/ipcs/icstart.html

OSHA eTools
eTools are "stand-alone," interactive, Web-based training tools on occupational safety and health topics. They are highly illustrated and utilize graphical menus. Some also use expert system modules, which enable the user to answer questions, and receive reliable advice on how OSHA regulations apply to their work site.

OSHA eTools Web site: http://www.osha.gov/dts/osta/oshasoft/index.html