What is the primary function of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health?

The primary function of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is to conduct research and make recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses. NIOSH was established to provide a scientific basis for the recommendations it makes concerning occupational safety and health. This involves investigating the causes of workplace hazards, studying the effects of exposure to various substances and conditions, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks. The research conducted by NIOSH is critical in informing policies and practices that enhance worker safety and health.

In contrast, regulating workplace safety standards involves enforcement and oversight, which is primarily the role of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), not NIOSH. While financial support for injured workers is provided through various workers' compensation programs at the state level, it is not a function of NIOSH. Training employees on workplace safety entails educational programs and initiatives, which may be supported by NIOSH's findings but are not the central role of the institute itself. Therefore, the focus of NIOSH on research and recommendations is what sets its primary function apart from those of other organizations.