Latest news with #NationalInstituteofOccupationalSafetyandHealth
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
9/11 responders are facing life-threatening delays in cancer treatment after Trump slashed health care funding
On 9/11, first responders rushed to help. Unfortunately, their own lives were being put in jeopardy as they breathed in asbestos, benzene and other toxic dust at Ground Zero, increasing their cancer risk. Years later, the Zadroga Act was passed to care for these first responders. It created the federally funded World Trade Center Health Program under the umbrella of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The program provides lifetime monitoring and treatment to responders, 150,000 of whom were enrolled as of 2025, reports ABC News, (up from 76,000 in 2015). The program has been a great success, with New York City Fire Department (FDNY) data revealing 86% of participants are still alive five years after a cancer diagnosis compared with 66% of patients diagnosed but not part of it. A bill had even been introduced to provide additional funding. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) Unfortunately, the program is no longer working as intended, due to uncertainty created by the Trump administration — and this will have consequences. "This is a program with zero fraud that only does one thing: It saves lives," Michael Barasch, partner at Barasch & McGarry, a law firm representing thousands of first responders and 9/11 survivors, told ABC News. "Mark my words: People will die without it." The normal operation of the World Trade Center Health Program has been interrupted as the Trump administration continues to alter staffing levels. Early in 2025, there was a 20% staffing cut, with 16 doctors and nurses losing their jobs, ABC News reported. NIOSH director, Dr. John Howard was also taken out of his position as administrator. Then, many of the terminated workers saw their jobs reinstated in February, although it wasn't clear if Howard's position had been restored or not, despite the doctor requesting an official decision. In April, another round of layoffs hit 15 employees. However, this has also now been reversed, with the administration going a step beyond previous reinstatements because the new letter sent to workers made clear the termination was canceled entirely. In the past, many workers were only brought back temporarily to train replacements. While the reinstatements are good news, they don't undo the damage done or the future uncertainty. Read more: You're probably already overpaying for this 1 'must-have' expense — and thanks to Trump's tariffs, your monthly bill could soar even higher. Here's how 2 minutes can protect your wallet right now Workers may be back on the job soon, but disastrous things happened while they were off. "We postponed chemotherapy for a firefighter this week, hoping this could be fixed," Dr. David Prezant, chief medical officer of the FDNY and director of its World Trade Center Health Program told ABC News. "He's too young for Medicare, and this delay may cost him his life." This firefighter was one of three who had treatment interrupted, putting them all at risk since every moment can count when it comes to fighting cancer. Unfortunately, many people have also been denied the opportunity to start treatment, as they aren't eligible to begin until their illness is certified as being caused by exposure on 9/11. The certification must be signed by Howard, and an internal Department of Health and Human Services newsletter shared with ABC explained that the program had "been directed not to process any new certifications." Prezant told ABC that this a clear sign Howard hadn't actually been reinstated, and explained that while clinics found a workaround and started treating some patients under initial approvals while awaiting certification, this loophole was recently shut down. This pause on enrollment will affect 9/11 first responders throughout the country, and Barasch thinks lawmakers are simply unaware of how big the scope is. "People in all 50 states are enrolled in the program. Thousands of them no longer live near the original attack sites. They need care where they are," he explained. If the latest staff reinstatements last, this could provide opportunities for responders nationwide to get the help they need. Further, despite the chaos, there is reason for optimism in the long term as the Trump administration insists it doesn't want to end the World Trade Center Health Program, nor does it intend to end other critical functions NIOSH performs. "Those programs were not terminated, as the media has reported. But they've simply been consolidated into a place that makes more sense," Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in a recent interview, explaining they would be merged into a newly-created agency dubbed the Administration for a Healthy America. Other programs that were on the chopping block have also been granted at least a temporary reprieve, with some food safety workers at various FDA labs also receiving notification that recent layoffs had been reversed. Still, since the Trump administration has already gone through multiple hiring and firing cycles, it remains unclear how safe any of these NIOSH operations have a stable future. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Barnama
19-05-2025
- Health
- Barnama
NIOSH-NCOSH Collaboration To Develop National Institute Of Occupational Safety And Health In Saudi Arabia
GENERAL KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Bernama) -- Malaysia, through the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), will play a role in helping Saudi Arabia develop its newly established National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NOSHI). According to NIOSH, it signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for strategic cooperation with Saudi Arabia's National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH) during the 7th Global Occupational Safety and Health Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from May 4 to 6. It said the MoU is one of the main achievements of the congress, attended by a Malaysian delegation led by NIOSH executive director Datuk Ayop Salleh, representing the country's commitment to strengthening occupational safety and health (OSH) practices through international cooperation. 'The MoU opens up opportunities for strategic cooperation in institutional capacity building, expertise exchange, training development, consulting services and joint research initiatives," according to NIOSH in a statement. The conference, organised by NCOSH, brought together leaders, practitioners, and stakeholders in the field of OSH from around the world. According to NIOSH, Ayob's involvement as a guest panelist at two main sessions during the congress also reflects Malaysia's increasingly recognised role in the international OSH landscape, particularly in efforts to align OSH policies with industry needs, sustainable workforce development and global standards. 'NIOSH records the highest appreciation to NCOSH for the warm welcome and excellent organisation of the congress. "This experience has further strengthened bilateral relations and demonstrated a joint commitment towards creating a safer, healthier and more productive work environment," it said. NIOSH also expressed its commitment to supporting the establishment and development of NOSHI and hopes that cooperation with Saudi Arabia can continue meaningfully and with a high impact in the future.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
NIOSH to train heavy vehicle drivers to prevent accidents
PUTRAJAYA: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is ready to help train heavy vehicle drivers using a specific training module, which emphasises safe and prudent driving techniques. NIOSH vice-chairman G. Manivanan said the specific training module was developed by experts and industry players by taking into account the needs and challenges faced by the drivers. 'The programme, which was developed under the Safe and Defensive Driving Person (SDDP) training module, also covers aspects of road legislation, vehicle maintenance and road management which aim to raise awareness and prevent accidents among heavy vehicle drivers. 'The module that was developed by NIOSH has already been implemented by several companies which manage buses and heavy vehicles in a bid to increase their workers' skills and knowledge of safety aspects on the road,' he said in a statement today. As such, he hopes that others operating heavy vehicles would also implement the SDDP training programme, including government agencies and the private sector. He added that NIOSH is also ready to assist those involved in implementing safety audits as well as taking tighter safety measures, including the implementation of the HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control) method. Manivanan said HIRARC is a systematic method that is used to help employers and employees identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures to maintain safety and health aspects in the workplace. 'By adopting HIRARC, all parties can play an important role in ensuring the workplace remains safe and healthy while complying with the relevant laws. 'I wish to stress again that under the law, every employer is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of their employees during work, including ensuring the vehicles used are properly maintained while the drivers get sufficient training,' he said. He said that NIOSH is also ready to collaborate with all parties to ensure the safety of workplace areas. He said that recent incidents showed that there was an urgent need to coordinate efforts to raise the level of safety on the road by meeting the requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) 2022 Act, which places the onus on employers to ensure the safety of their workers. Manivanan said the tragedy that occurred in Perak yesterday, which claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel, showed that there was an urgent need to holistically strengthen the aspect of safety on the road. 'While waiting for the results of the comprehensive investigation by the relevant agencies, all parties must find ways to cooperate to ensure such incidents do not recur. 'I wish to emphasise that drivers of heavy vehicles and those in and near the vehicles also have the right to work and be in a safe environment, as stipulated under the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) 2022 Act,' he said.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
NIOSH ready to help train heavy vehicle drivers using specific training module
PUTRAJAYA: The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is ready to help train heavy vehicle drivers using a specific training module, which emphasises safe and prudent driving techniques. NIOSH vice-chairman G. Manivanan said the specific training module was developed by experts and industry players by taking into account the needs and challenges faced by the drivers. 'The programme, which was developed under the Safe and Defensive Driving Person (SDDP) training module, also covers aspects of road legislation, vehicle maintenance and road management which aim to raise awareness and prevent accidents among heavy vehicle drivers. 'The module that was developed by NIOSH has already been implemented by several companies which manage buses and heavy vehicles in a bid to increase their workers' skills and knowledge of safety aspects on the road,' he said in a statement today. As such, he hopes that others operating heavy vehicles would also implement the SDDP training programme, including government agencies and the private sector. He added that NIOSH is also ready to assist those involved in implementing safety audits as well as taking tighter safety measures, including the implementation of the HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control) method. Manivanan said HIRARC is a systematic method that is used to help employers and employees identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures to maintain safety and health aspects in the workplace. 'By adopting HIRARC, all parties can play an important role in ensuring the workplace remains safe and healthy while complying with the relevant laws. 'I wish to stress again that under the law, every employer is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of their employees during work, including ensuring the vehicles used are properly maintained while the drivers get sufficient training,' he said. He said that NIOSH is also ready to collaborate with all parties to ensure the safety of workplace areas. He said that recent incidents showed that there was an urgent need to coordinate efforts to raise the level of safety on the road by meeting the requirements under the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) 2022 Act, which places the onus on employers to ensure the safety of their workers. Manivanan said the tragedy that occurred in Perak yesterday, which claimed the lives of nine Federal Reserve Unit (FRU) personnel, showed that there was an urgent need to holistically strengthen the aspect of safety on the road. 'While waiting for the results of the comprehensive investigation by the relevant agencies, all parties must find ways to cooperate to ensure such incidents do not recur. 'I wish to emphasise that drivers of heavy vehicles and those in and near the vehicles also have the right to work and be in a safe environment, as stipulated under the Occupational Safety and Health (Amendment) 2022 Act,' he said.
Barnama
15-05-2025
- Automotive
- Barnama
NIOSH Ready To Help Train Heavy Vehicle Drivers Using Specific Training Module
GENERAL PUTRAJAYA, May 15 (Bernama) -- The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is ready to help train heavy vehicle drivers using a specific training module, which emphasises safe and prudent driving techniques. NIOSH vice-chairman G. Manivanan said the specific training module was developed by experts and industry players by taking into account the needs and challenges faced by the drivers. "The programme, which was developed under the Safe and Defensive Driving Person (SDDP) training module, also covers aspects of road legislation, vehicle maintenance and road management which aim to raise awareness and prevent accidents among heavy vehicle drivers. "The module that was developed by NIOSH has already been implemented by several companies which manage buses and heavy vehicles in a bid to increase their workers' skills and knowledge of safety aspects on the road,' he said in a statement today. As such, he hopes that others operating heavy vehicles would also implement the SDDP training programme, including government agencies and the private sector. He added that NIOSH is also ready to assist those involved in implementing safety audits as well as taking tighter safety measures, including the implementation of the HIRARC (Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Risk Control) method. Manivanan said HIRARC is a systematic method that is used to help employers and employees identify hazards, assess risks and implement control measures to maintain safety and health aspects in the workplace. "By adopting HIRARC, all parties can play an important role in ensuring the workplace remains safe and healthy while complying with the relevant laws. "I wish to stress again that under the law, every employer is responsible for ensuring the safety and health of their employees during work, including ensuring the vehicles used are properly maintained while the drivers get sufficient training,' he said.
