NIOSH Expands, Enhances r2p Web Page for Partnerships in Moving Research to Workplace Practice

Contact: Fred Blosser, (202) 245-0645
October 8, 2009

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has posted an expanded, enhanced web page on Research to Practice (r2p), to stimulate new partnerships in moving new knowledge, interventions, and technologies from safety and health research into actual workplace use.

The new r2p page at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/r2p/ delivers recent information about innovations developed by NIOSH that are available for licensing, and about r2p in general. The page also provides information about new research partnership opportunities with NIOSH and past r2p successes.

NIOSH continues to actively recruit partners to develop usable, commercial products from NIOSH's research findings and innovations. Ultimately, this results in the acceleration of research findings into practical, commercial products in the marketplace, which reach vast numbers of employers, workers, safety and health professionals, and others who will use them to promote effective occupational safety and health practices.

Partners include universities, trade and professional associations, industries, other government agencies, standards-setting organizations, and companies all eager to tap into the synergy of collaboration.

"With r2p, NIOSH and its partners leverage their collective strengths to develop, test, and commercialize new tools and methods for preventing job-related injury and illness," said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. "The revised web page is designed to engage new partners, provide them with the information they need to establish new licensing agreements or research collaborations with NIOSH, and showcase the successes that have resulted from r2p."

Some immediate opportunities for licensing include these:

• The "QuickFit Earplug Test Device" is a simple, inexpensive, handheld device that allows earplug users to check the fit of their earplugs and test the effectiveness of the earplugs against potentially hazardous noise.
• The "Roof Bracket-Safety Rail System" prevents falls from heights, and is easy to use, secure, durable, and compact.
• The "Wearable Kneel-Sit Device" provides relief and comfort for individuals kneeling for long durations while working. The device is designed to relieve pressures that can create risk for knee injury and reduced productivity.

Past examples of r2p success stories highlighted on the web page include partnerships that advanced new knowledge, interventions, and technologies for 1) preventing head injuries among emergency medical technicians in moving ambulances, 2) fostering the incorporation of the "business case" for occupational safety and health into business school curricula, and 3) preventing work-related hearing loss in mine roof bolters.

NIOSH plans to regularly update the page to showcase new licensing and partnership opportunities as they become available. The expanded page also invites potential partners to suggest ideas for research collaboration. For additional information about r2p, current partnership opportunities, or to share your ideas, please email researchtopractice@cdc.gov or call (513) 533-8662.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. It was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. For further information about the range of NIOSH activities and products, please visit the NIOSH web page at http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/.