April 2025 | Washington, D.C.
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) expresses deep concern over the recent announcement from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) regarding sweeping layoffs that would effectively eliminate nearly the entire workforce of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), including the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory (NPPTL).
These unprecedented cuts would dismantle the only federal laboratory responsible for certifying respirators used by more than 50 million American workers. They would also cripple the agency that leads critical worker safety and health research—research that has saved thousands of lives and prevented billions of dollars in losses across U.S. industries.
NIOSH’s Critical Role
NIOSH serves as the cornerstone of America’s worker safety infrastructure. Its essential functions include:
- Certifying respiratory protection.
- Conducting independent, evidence-based research to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities.
- Driving innovation that helps make high-risk jobs safer and more sustainable.
Without NIOSH, there is no federal mechanism for respiratory protection certification and no dedicated research engine focused on the well-being of U.S. workers. These cuts would significantly weaken the nation’s ability to protect its workforce across sectors—from healthcare and construction to emergency response and manufacturing.
ISEA’s Response
ISEA is taking decisive action to advocate for the restoration of NIOSH’s funding and workforce:
- Joint Letter to Congress: As a member of the leadership team of a broad coalition of stakeholders, ISEA has signed a joint letter to Congressional leadership calling for the immediate reversal of the proposed NIOSH cuts.
↳ Read the letter here. - Targeted Awareness Campaign: ISEA has launched a social media ad campaign focused on Capitol Hill to underscore the critical role NIOSH plays in advancing worker safety and supporting the U.S. economy.
- Public Education Resources: ISEA has developed a landing page and infographic that clearly illustrate the complementary roles of NIOSH and OSHA, and why both are essential.
↳ Explore and share at safetyequipment.org/investinsafety. - Direct Advocacy: ISEA is actively pursuing meetings with Congressional leaders and senior officials to advocate for the reinstatement of NIOSH staff and the continuation of its mission.
A Call to Action
ISEA urges its members, partners, and the broader safety community to join this effort. Here’s how you can help:
- Contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose the NIOSH cuts and support full funding for occupational safety research and certification.
- Share ISEA’s infographic and digital resources through your organization’s platforms and on social media.
- Engage your networks—including customers, employees, and professional groups—to speak up for science, safety, and the health of America’s workforce.
Our Commitment
ISEA is unwavering in its support of NIOSH, NPPTL, and the critical mission they serve. We will continue working with policymakers, industry leaders, and allied organizations to ensure that evidence-based worker protection remains a national priority.
