Program Goals

A key leadership role for the Manufacturing Program is the development of goals for the manufacturing industry. The Manufacturing Program is in the process of developing goals to guide NIOSH research and partnership efforts over the next decade.

NIOSH Program Portfolio Approach

NIOSH organizes its research, guidance, information, and service efforts into specific programs that can be readily communicated and strategically governed and evaluated. Ten sector programs represent industrial sectors, and seven Cross-sector programs are organized around health and safety outcomes. There are also numerous core and specialty programs that represent special emphasis areas, methodological approaches, core activities and legislatively mandated programs.

The Sector Programs intersect with Cross-Sector Programs in a matrix-like fashion, with relevant Core and Specialty Programs playing a supporting role. For example, an Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing Program goal of reducing farm-related deaths and injuries due to tractor rollovers and trucks would likely be a shared goal with the Traumatic Injury Prevention Program and if appropriate would be adopted by both programs. This approach provides an added advantage and will allow multiple Programs to work towards accomplishment of intersecting NIOSH goals.

Below are the current goals for the Nation developed during the second decade of the National Occupational Research Agenda (NORA).

Manufacturing Program Strategic Goals for Intramural Research

• Strategic Goal 1: Reduce the number of injuries and fatalities due to contact with objects and equipment among workers in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 2:Reduce the number of injuries and fatalities resulting from falls among workers in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 3:Reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among manufacturing sector workers.
• Strategic Goal 4:Reduce the incidence of occupational hearing loss in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 5:Reduce the number of respiratory conditions and diseases due to exposures in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 6: Reduce the incidence and prevalence of cancer due to exposures in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 7: Reduce the incidence of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among understudied and vulnerable populations in the manufacturing sector such as contract workers, younger and older workers, immigrants, and pregnant and nursing workers.
• Strategic Goal 8:Reduce the incidence of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities within small businesses (fewer than 100 employees) and specific sub-sectors within the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 9:Enhance the state of knowledge related to emerging risks to occupational safety and health in manufacturing.
• Strategic Goal 10:Reduce the number of catastrophic incidents (e.g., explosions, chemical accidents, or building structural failures) in the manufacturing sector.

Manufacturing Program Priority Strategic Goals for NIOSH-funded Extramural Research

The NIOSH Manufacturing Program selected the following strategic goals as particularly suited for extramural research during fiscal year 2017:

• Strategic Goal 1: Reduce the number of injuries and fatalities due to contact with objects and equipment among workers in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 2: Reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among manufacturing sector workers.
• Strategic Goal 3: Reduce the incidence of occupationally-induced hearing loss in the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 4: Reduce the incidence of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among understudied and vulnerable populations in the manufacturing sector such as contract workers, younger and older workers, immigrants, and pregnant and nursing mothers.
• Strategic Goal 5: Reduce the incidence of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities within small businesses (less than 100 employees) and specific sub-sectors within the manufacturing sector.
• Strategic Goal 6: Reduce the number of catastrophic incidents (e.g., explosions, chemical accidents or building structural failures) in the manufacturing sector.

Those seeking NIOSH grants to conduct studies related to the Manufacturing Program are invited to view the current funding opportunities.