The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is proud to share the news that more than 100 employees at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) will be reinstated permanently, according to federal officials. This decision marks a major win for occupational safety in the United States and reaffirms the critical role NIOSH plays in protecting America’s workforce.
“This is not just a win for NIOSH—it’s a win for every worker who depends on science-backed safety standards to do their job and come home safe,” said Cam Mackey, President and CEO of ISEA. “From firefighters to healthcare workers, from industrial crews to military responders, today’s news ensures the programs that protect them remain strong.”
For months, NIOSH’s future hung in the balance following proposed cuts that threatened to dismantle its workforce and potentially shutter vital programs, including its respirator approval system—considered by many to be the gold standard in respiratory protection certification. The reinstatement of these employees ensures that this critical infrastructure remains intact.
“NIOSH’s respirator approval program isn’t just a bureaucratic process—it’s a life-saving measure that gives first responders confidence in the gear they rely on in hazardous environments,” said Dan Glucksman, ISEA’s Senior Director of Policy. “We applaud the Administration for recognizing the importance of preserving this essential function.”
ISEA and its members mounted an aggressive advocacy campaign to protect NIOSH, conducting direct outreach to Congress and federal agencies, coordinating with stakeholders, and amplifying the message across media platforms: Protecting NIOSH is protecting the health, safety, and resilience of America’s workforce.
Today’s announcement reflects the power of united voices in the safety community and the importance of ongoing investment in occupational health research, innovation, and certification programs.
“While this is one step forward, it’s a significant one,” Mackey added. “ISEA looks forward to our continued work with Rep. Summer Lee’s (D-PA) office to fund the NIOSH respirator approval program in FY26 to make sure its future remains secure. We also want to thank Congress, the White House and Sec. Kennedy for hearing our concerns and acting on them”
About ISEA
The International Safety Equipment Association (ISEA) is the leading trade association for personal protective equipment and technologies that enable people to work in hazardous environments. Since 1933, ISEA has been a recognized leader in the development of safety equipment standards, policy advocacy, and promoting the use of high-quality personal protective equipment.
