In a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety, the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has passed legislation that sustains funding for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and increases funding for the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The Fiscal Year 2026 Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act received an overwhelming endorsement from the committee, passing with a vote of 26-3.
This legislation keeps OSHA’s funding steady at its current level while providing a modest increase for NIOSH, in response to ongoing concerns over worker safety. The bill will now advance to the full Senate for further consideration.
Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC), praised the committee’s decision, stating, “The National Safety Council applauds the Senate Appropriations Committee on its decisive vote to keep funding steady for OSHA and NIOSH. We urge the House and full Senate to approve these funding levels, which are necessary to keep America safe at work.”
The report accompanying the bill highlights critical safety issues, particularly the growing opioid crisis within the workplace and the risk of heat-related injuries during extreme weather. While a significant majority of employers—75%—reported witnessing the impact of opioid use among employees, only 17% felt adequately prepared to tackle the issue. The committee is calling on the Secretary of Labor to provide guidance to employers about the availability of opioid overdose reversal medication and necessary training.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding NIOSH’s budget has raised alarms, particularly after an 80% budget cut was proposed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services earlier this year. The committee’s report emphasized the essential function of NIOSH as the sole federal agency dedicated to researching and recommending strategies for the prevention of work-related illnesses and injuries. They have directed the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to ensure that research activities continue at NIOSH centers across the nation.
As the Senate prepares to deliberate on this important legislation, the focus remains on ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated to protect American workers. For more information on workplace unintentional overdose deaths, visit injuryfacts.nsc.org.
