Steve Sallman, Director of Health, Safety and Environment for the United Steelworkers, discussed the critical role of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), proposed budget cuts to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the importance of workplace safety investigations.
Sallman described the CSB's vital function in investigating chemical releases, explosions and fires that endanger workers and communities. He highlighted the agency's role in producing educational videos and reports that help prevent future incidents across industries. With a modest budget of $14.4 million, the CSB's elimination would significantly hinder efforts to learn from and prevent workplace disasters, he said.
The proposed 80 percent budget cut to NIOSH would severely impact its ability to conduct research, make safety recommendations and certify essential equipment like respirators, Sallman said. He shared a case study of NIOSH's investigation into a blastomycosis outbreak at a paper mill, demonstrating the agency's unique capability to respond to complex occupational health issues and provide crucial guidance to both workers and employers.
Sallman stressed the importance of maintaining and strengthening these agencies to protect workers across various industries. He argued that eliminating or severely cutting these programs would lead to increased workplace accidents, injuries and fatalities, ultimately costing more than the proposed budget savings.
Listen to the full episode for more insights on workplace safety and the impact of proposed budget cuts.