Safety Training Cuts for High-Risk Jobs: What It Means for Workers

Safety Training Cuts Threaten Workers in America's Most Dangerous Jobs

Recent cuts by the Trump administration to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) are putting safety training programs for fishermen, loggers, and farmers at risk. These programs, which have been crucial in reducing workplace fatalities, may be scaled back or discontinued as early as July.

The Impact of Cuts on Safety Training

The termination of approximately 875 NIOSH employees has left many Centers for Agricultural Safety and Health without the technical support they need to continue their work. Although some employees have been reinstated, the office overseeing these centers remains understaffed, leading to preparations for potential closures.

Why These Jobs Are So Dangerous

Fishing, logging, and farming are among the most hazardous occupations in the U.S., with a fatal injury rate seven times higher than the national average. Workers in these fields face unique risks, from falling overboard to equipment accidents, making safety training not just beneficial but essential.

The Ripple Effects of Losing Safety Training

Without these programs, the burden on federal rescue services could increase, and the hard-won trust between workers and health researchers may be lost. Moreover, the loss of training could lead to more accidents and fatalities, reversing years of progress in workplace safety.

A Call to Action

The potential closure of these centers and the scaling back of safety training programs highlight the need for continued support for worker safety initiatives. As one fisherman put it, 'There are so many people who are going to be left behind.'