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The manufacturing program promotes research results, practical advice and technologies for manufacturers, stakeholders and the general public. The program conducts research and provides recommendations to manufacturers of new technologies, including nanomaterials, robotics, portable sensors, a design of safe equipment and operations to prevent workers’ injury. The manufacturing sector includes establishments involved in the mechanical, physical or chemical transformation of materials, substances or components in new products under CODES OF SCIAN 31-33. There are 21 manufacturing sub-sectors, including food, drinks, tobacco, textiles, petroleum, chemicals, metals, machines, computers, transport equipment and manufacturing of furniture . The largest sub-sectors are the manufacture of transport equipment, the manufacture of manufactured metal products and the manufacture of food.
Program priorities
The manufacturing program has selected research priorities based on Burde, need and impact and collaborated with other Niosh research programs to write research objectives in the Niosh Strategic Plan for FYS 2019-2026. Priority areas include (but without limiting themselves):
- The reduction of dangerous exposure to the workplace leading to health problems, in particular:
- Chronic conditions, reproductive health or neurological disorders.
- Prevent hearing loss of exposure to hard noise or chemicals that damage hearing.
- Reduce musculoskeletal disorders and specific respiratory conditions
- Prevent injuries and deaths due in contact with objects and equipment
Achievements
Niosh research on the counter in stone silica
There have been several cases recently in the United States of silicosis for engineering stone counter workers, including deaths. These workers carry out tasks such as cutting, grinding, drilling and polishing which can release high levels of breathable dust in the worker’s respiratory area. More recent stone materials can contain a much higher level of silica than natural stone.
To help solve this problem, Niosh researchers have studied engineering controls that can be used to reduce workers’ exposure to silica dust. Part of this work was presented in Stone Update Magazine, Avoid silica dust, sometimes, it’s more than throwing water on the problem. The article includes an interview with a Niosh researcher and videos created by Niosh during engineering control studies. Other Niosh products include a scientific blog, Congress of silicosis in engineering stone counter workers in four statesand a infographic.
Resources
More information on specific safety and health subjects at the workplace and useful resources can be found on the following pages:
Nora council
The manufacturing program helps direct the Nora manufacturing boardwhich brings together individuals and organizations to share information, train partnerships and promote the adoption and dissemination of solutions that work.