What are OSHA and NIOSH and what do they do?

NIOSH is responsible for the testing and approval of all respirators used in occupational settings. OSHA’s mission is to ensure safe and healthful working conditions by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.

How does NIOSH and OSHA work together?

Both NIOSH and OSHA were established by a government act in 1970. They work together to regulate different parts of workplace safety. NIOSH is a watchdog; OSHA makes standards.

What does the NIOSH do?

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is responsible for conducting research and making recommendations for the prevention of work-related injury and illness.

What is the difference between OSHA PEL and NIOSH REL?

The OSHA PEL is the legally enforceable regulatory limit. Employers are required to take actions to reduce worker exposures if air samples show levels above OSHA’s calculated Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL). The NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) is a non-mandatory, recommended occupational exposure limit.

Is OSHA part of NIOSH?

NIOSH is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the Department of Health and Human Services. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 created both NIOSH and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

What is the focus four OSHA?

OSHA has identified four hazards that are responsible for the majority of losses. What OSHA calls the “Focus Four Hazards” are Fall Hazards, Caught-In-Between Hazards, Struck-By Hazards and Electrical Hazards.

What is NIOSH?

Means “man, person, mortal” in Hebrew. He was a son of Seth and a grandson of Adam in the genealogies in Genesis in the Old Testament.

Who runs NIOSH?

Although NIOSH and OSHA were established by the same Act of Congress, the two agencies have distinct and separate responsibilities….National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

Agency overview
Parent department	Department of Health and Human Services
Parent agency	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Website	cdc.gov/niosh/

What is a niosh REL?

Recommended exposure limit (REL) is the name used by the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for the occupational exposure limits (OELs) it recommends to protect workers from hazardous substances and conditions in the workplace.

Why are niosh RELS referred to more often than OSHA PELS when checking for safe exposure limits?

Rather it is the legal limit (i.e. what is “permissible”), below which serious harm should not occur to most people. Thus, while the OSHA PEL represents the legal exposure limit, it does not necessarily represent the desired exposure level. To that extent, the NIOSH REL is the more appropriate number.

What is the difference between CDC and OSHA?

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention, abbreviated as CDC, is the government agency that studies diseases and how to prevent the spread of diseases. OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is the agency that provides regulations for employers to maintain safe working environments for employees.

What are the fatal four in construction?

Falls
Construction Hazards The top four causes of construction fatalities are: Falls, Struck-By, Caught-In/Between and Electrocutions.