Key points
- The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Authoritative Recommendations Program supports the scientific assessment, development, and dissemination of NIOSH authoritative recommendations.
- The Program seeks to reduce and prevent occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities by developing and evaluating authoritative recommendations and guidance.
Overview
The NIOSH Authoritative Recommendations Program seeks to maximize the impact and reach of science and policy across the spectrum of occupational hazards affecting workers in all industries through the development and dissemination of evidence-based recommendations. Examples include:
- Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs)
- Risk Management Limits for Carcinogens (RML-CAs)
- Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health (IDLH) values
- Skin Notation assignments
- Policy documents with recommendations for engineering controls, safe work practices, personal protective equipment, exposure monitoring, and medical monitoring
Program priorities
- Assess data and literature sources to support evidence-based solutions.
- Perform risk assessments using consistent and transparent methods based on the state-of-the-sciences of toxicology, epidemiology, exposure assessment, and related disciplines.
- Integrate NIOSH science and guidance into other agencies' policy and rulemaking.
- Classify chemicals based on health effects such as carcinogenicity and dermal effects.
- Conduct research, risk assessments, and document development activities leading to dissemination of RELs or RML-CAs and related guidance for chemicals in the workplace.
- Publish recommendations in NIOSH documents including Criteria Documents, Current Intelligence Bulletins, and Hazard Alerts.
- Identify hazardous drugs in healthcare settings and promote best practices for risk management to protect exposed workers.
Content Source:
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health