NIOSH Programs

Workers are injured or killed every day as a result of preventable workplace accidents or exposures. NIOSH research works to improve workplace safety and health through safe practices, policies, and procedures.

Making a Difference Through Research

NIOSH research is primarily driven by the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA). Priorities for this research agenda are influenced by:

• The number of workers at risk for a particular injury or illness
• The seriousness of a hazard or problem
• The chance that new data or approaches can make a difference

The third decade of NORA (2016-2026) is organized into 10 industry sectors and seven health and safety cross-sectors.

The NIOSH Research Program Portfolio supports NORA through its 10 sector programs and seven cross-sector programs. The Portfolio also has core and specialty programs that that represent core activities, mandates, special emphasis areas, and methodological approaches. NIOSH uses the Burden, Need and Impact (BNI) method to identify its research priorities. In addition to conducting research, NIOSH offers grant funding to advance research beyond the Institute’s current staff.

Making a Difference Through Practice

Research alone is not enough to change workplace practices. The Research to Practice (r2p) program takes research knowledge and works to put it to use by promoting engineering controls, new technologies, and communication products.