NVFC addresses fire program cuts at NIOSH affecting firefighter safety
NVFC responds to NIOSH fire program cuts impacting firefighter safety The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) has reported that the Department of Health and Human Services announced on March 27 a consolidation plan that would eliminate two-thirds of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) workforce. The NVFC stated that the plan led […]
Staffing cuts at NIOSH threaten World Trade Center Health Program operations
Layoffs impact administration of 9/11 survivor health services The office of Congressman Tom Suozzi has reported that the Trump administration is cutting staff at the agency responsible for running the World Trade Center Health Program. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which oversees the program, is expected to lose about two-thirds of […]
Urologic cancer risks for firefighters: NIOSH study highlights dangers
Firefighter cancer awareness month highlights health risks Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month underscores the heightened risk of cancer for those in the fire service. According to the Urology Care Foundation, firefighters face daily dangers, including burns, heat exhaustion, and chemical exposure. Research from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reveals that firefighters have […]
NIOSH launches new center to improve firefighter safety and health
NIOSH opens new center for firefighter safety, health, and well-being The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), in collaboration with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), launched its Center for Firefighter Safety, Health, and Well-being on October 7, 2024. As reported by the IAFF, the initiative focuses on enhancing firefighter safety by […]
NIOSH study examines the effectiveness of respirators with facial hair under-respirator cover
New study launched to evaluate respirator effectiveness for workers with facial hair The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has launched a new study to assess how well respirators protect workers with facial hair when using an under-respirator cover, commonly known as a beard band. This research is particularly relevant for workers in […]
Ensuring safety and health for junior firefighters: NIOSH guidance
NIOSH highlights lessons from investigations In April 2024, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) released “Keeping Junior Firefighters Safe and Healthy: The Fire Department’s Role in Promoting Positive Childhood Experiences.” As reported by the US Fire Administration, the publication summarizes lessons from eight NIOSH investigations conducted since 2000. These investigations focused on […]
NIOSH issues safety recommendations following firefighter training fatality
Following the tragic death of a 38-year-old volunteer recruit firefighter during a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) confidence training session in California, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has released a series of safety recommendations. The incident, which occurred at a county joint firefighter academy, has prompted an in-depth review and the subsequent […]
Firefighting risks at strip malls highlighted by FEMA and NIOSH
Ensuring firefighter safety in strip mall operations Recent findings indicate a significant risk to firefighters when combating fires in strip malls. Strip mall fires, while infrequent, pose considerable dangers due to their unique construction features. A new bulletin by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) brings this issue into the limelight, offering […]
NIOSH releases advisory for first responders on chemical suicide incidents
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has unveiled a safety and health advisory aimed at aiding first responders. The advisory titled “Personal Protective Equipment Recommendations for Response to Chemical Suicide Incidents” offers personal protective equipment recommendations as well as guidance on how agencies can plan and train for chemical suicide scenarios. This […]
IAFC publishes updated guide on CBRN PPE for emergency response
CBRN guide provides updated PPE requirements for U.S. emergency services The International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) has published an updated guide outlining protective equipment requirements for chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents in the United States. The guide, titled What You Need to Know About CBRN, consolidates NFPA PPE standards for hazmat and […]
