| National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) |
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The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the Federal agency
responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of
work-related disease and injury. The Institute is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
NIOSH is responsible for conducting research on the full scope of occupational disease and injury ranging from lung disease in miners to carpal tunnel syndrome in computer users. In addition to conducting research, NIOSH: |
| investigates potentially hazardous working conditions when requested by employers or employees; |
| makes recommendations and disseminates information on preventing workplace disease, injury, and disability; and |
| provides training to occupational safety and health professionals. |
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NIOSH is a diverse organization made up of employees representing a wide range of disciplines including industrial hygiene, nursing, epidemiology, engineering, medicine, and statistics.
Headquartered in Washington D.C., NIOSH has offices in Atlanta, Georgia and research divisions in Cincinnati, Ohio; Morgantown, West Virginia; Bruceton, Pennsylvania; and Spokane, Washington.
NIOSH researchers work together to reduce the enormous burden of workplace injury and disease on our country. Each day, an average of 9,000 U.S. workers sustain disabling injuries on the job, 17 workers die from an injury sustained at work, and 137 workers die from work-related diseases. The economic burden of this continuing toll is high. Data from a NIOSH-funded study reveal $171 billion annually in direct and indirect costs of occupational injuries and illnesses ($145 billion for injuries and $26 billion for diseases). These costs compare to $33 billion for AIDS, $67.3 billion for Alzheimer's Disease, $164.3 billion for circulatory diseases, and $170.7 billion for cancer.
This enormous toll can be reduced. Much progress has been made to date, largely based on the science and knowledge generated from occupational safety and health research. Most of this research is conducted or funded by NIOSH.
NIOSH's Website
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NIOSH "Alerts"
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Alerts briefly present new information about occupational illnesses, injuries, and deaths. Alerts urgently request assistance in preventing, solving, and controlling newly identified occupational hazards. Workers, employers, and safety and health professionals are asked to take immediate action to reduce risks and implement controls. The links below will take you to the full text of recent NIOSH Alerts that pertain to the tower industry. These documents are in the public domain and may be freely copied or reprinted.
Preventing Injuries and Deaths of Workers Who Operate or Work Near Forklifts
Preventing Worker Deaths from Uncontrolled Release of Electrical, Mechanical, and Other Types of Hazardous Energy
Preventing Worker Injuries and Deaths from Traffic-Related Motor Vehicle Crashes
Preventing Carbon Monoxide Poisoning from Small Gasoline-Powered Engines and Tools
Preventing Electrocutions of Crane Operators and Crew Members Working Near Overhead Power Lines
Preventing Worker Deaths and Injuries from Falls Through Skylights and Roof Openings
Preventing Fatalities of Workers Who Contact Electrical Energy
Preventing Occupational Fatalities in Confined Spaces
Preventing Electrocutions from Contact Between Cranes and Power Lines
Preventing Deaths and Injuries From Excavation Cave-Ins
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