NIOSH, ASSE to Collaborate on Research to Prevent Work-Related Deaths, Injuries

Fred Blosser, (202) 401-3749 (NIOSH)
Diane Hurns, (847) 768-3414 (ASSE)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, today signed an agreement with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE) to collaborate on research to prevent work-related deaths and injuries.

NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard and ASSE President James "Skipper" Kendrick, CSP, signed the agreement at the National Occupational Injury Research Symposium (NOIRS) 2003 in Pittsburgh.

"New technology and other changes in the 21st century workplace have created exciting opportunities for advancing workplace safety," said NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard. "We are pleased to join with ASSE in laying the groundwork to explore, design, evaluate, and introduce innovative tools and approaches for making workplaces safer."

"We value the resources NIOSH brings to this collaboration," said ASSE's Kendrick. "The more tools our members have, the likelier we are to see our co-workers arrive at work and return home safe and without injuries. That is very important to all of us."

Every day, 16 people on average die from work-related injuries and, every year, about 3.6 million non-fatal occupational injuries are treated in hospital emergency rooms, according to NIOSH estimates. Under the new agreement, which will continue until December 31, 2004, NIOSH and ASSE will partner on projects to reduce work-related injuries by:

• Developing and disseminating information on worker safety and health;
• Participating in conferences where occupational safety and health issues are proactively addressed;
• Advancing the effectiveness of occupational safety and health research; and
• Promoting and facilitating implementation of research results

NIOSH is the CDC agency that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. Committed to protecting people, property, and the environment, ASSE is the largest and oldest professional safety organization, representing more than 30,000 occupational safety, health, and environmental professional members who manage, supervise, and consult on safety, health, transportation, and environmental issues. More information about NIOSH is available at www.cdc.gov/niosh. More information about ASSE is available at www.asse.org

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) protects people's health and safety by preventing and controlling diseases and injuries; enhances health decisions by providing credible information on critical health issues; and promotes healthy living through strong partnerships with local, national, and international organizations.