The Trump administration has announced plans to terminate federal workers focused on preventing and responding to work-related illnesses, including “black lung” disease affecting coal miners. An internal memo reveals that these cutbacks threaten vital programs for those exposed to toxins, including 9/11 first responders. Concerns about program viability emerged after the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) cut the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) staff, which has existed for 55 years, as part of a larger plan to reduce the federal workforce by approximately 20,000 employees.
NIOSH’s director, John Howard, acknowledged numerous reduction notices were sent to staff, although some have recently returned to work under a temporary arrangement. Despite bipartisan opposition to his termination, Howard’s return was part of this confusing restructuring process. Programs, including the Coal Workers’ Health Surveillance Program—designed to monitor coal miners’ health and detect lung issues—are now moving to the newly created Administration for a Healthy America, though the details of this transition are unclear.
Senator Shelley Moore Capito expressed cautious optimism about staff returning and indicated a commitment to restoring NIOSH functions permanently. A lawsuit from a West Virginia coal miner seeks to reinstate the program, alleging HHS violated the Federal Coal Mine Health and Safety Act through staff terminations. Given the troubling statistics that one in 10 underground miners develops black lung, the cuts, compounded by unread X-rays, have raised fears about miners’ health monitoring and access to medical information. Miners have relied on NIOSH’s screenings, emphasizing the urgent need for effective health oversight in the industry.
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