Mountain State Times

U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia has reached out to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., expressing concerns over recent layoffs at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in Morgantown, West Virginia. Capito, who serves as the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, emphasized the vital role NIOSH plays in the health and wellbeing of West Virginia coal miners.

Capito stated her belief that NIOSH's mission is unique and not redundant with other government programs. "I am concerned that the RIFs at NIOSH will undermine the vital health programs important to so many West Virginians. I urge you to bring back the NIOSH employees immediately so they can continue to support our nation’s coal industry," she wrote.

NIOSH in Morgantown is noted for its research efforts aimed at preventing work-related injuries and illnesses, focusing particularly on coal miners. The institute's Mining Program is engaged in research to eliminate mining fatalities and injuries, and it has made contributions to improving industry safety standards, including those concerning explosion prevention and structural design in mines.

The Reduction in Force (RIF) affected all employees in these critical programs, according to Capito. She warned that decommissioning the labs would entail significant expenses, and future reinstatement would incur further costs due to compliance requirements.

Capito pointed out the importance of NIOSH's work, stating, "The mission and work conducted by the specially trained NIOSH employees is not duplicative of any other government program."

In closing, she emphasized the need to maintain health programs supporting miners, especially as the administration takes steps to bolster the coal industry.

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