Request for comment on the second decade of NORA

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is evaluating the impact of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA, http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora/). NORA is a partnership program to stimulate innovative research and improved workplace practices. Unveiled in 1996, NORA has become a research framework for NIOSH and the nation. Diverse parties collaborate to identify the most critical issues in workplace safety and health. Partners work together to develop goals and objectives for addressing these needs. Participation in NORA is broad, including stakeholders from universities, large and small businesses, professional societies, government agencies, and worker organizations.

The program entered its second decade in 2006 with a new sector based structure to better move research to practice within workplaces. The national agenda is developed and implemented through the NORA Sector Councils. Each Council develops and maintains an agenda for its sector (http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/nora/). The collection of national sector agendas is the agenda for the nation for improvements in occupational safety and health through research and partnerships. Representing all stakeholders, the councils use an open process to set goals, develop strategies, encourage partnerships, and promote improved workplace practices.

NIOSH is reviewing the accomplishments of the second decade of NORA and is preparing for the third decade, which will start in 2016.

As a part of this review, NIOSH is seeking comments from partners and the public to evaluate the second decade and plan for the third decade of NORA. NIOSH is requesting the following feedback:

Please describe the most significant successes and challenges of your engagement with NIOSH during the second decade of NORA (2006 to present).

To view the notice and related materials, visit http:www.regulations.gov and enter CDC-2015-0002 in the search field and click “Search.”

Public Comment Period

Comments will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. EST on March 24, 2015.

Written comments, identified by CDC-2015-0002 and docket number NIOSH-244-A, may be submitted by any of the following methods:

• Federal rulemaking portal: Follow the instructions for submitting comments.

  Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number. All relevant comments, including any personal information provided, will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov

• Mail: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
  NIOSH Docket Office
  1090 Tusculum Avenue
  MS C-34
  Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998