Occupational and environmental medicine (OEM) focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of health conditions that arise from workplace hazards and environmental exposures. OEM is important because it ensures that employee health is prioritized and working environments remain safe. This, in turn, prevents illnesses and injuries, reduces health care costs, and protects public health.
Recent administrative changes and dismantling of important government agencies like the National Institute of Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH), are threatening the wellbeing of workers and the future of OEM. ACOEM is working hard to advocate for change, but we need your help to amplify the messages. Your voice matters – please use and share the resources below on your personal platforms and within your professional spheres of influence.
1.
Read our response to recent government actions.
2.
Take action to help protect OEM and workers.
3. Attend the
2025 American Occupational Health Conference to discuss these issues with you peers and hear possible solutions. Several program sessions will discuss protecting the future of OEM, including:
Advocacy Efforts
Friends of NIEHS Letter (April 22, 2025)
This letter was signed by health and research coalitions and organizations and sent to Chairs Shelley Moore Capito and Robert Aderholt and Ranking Members Tammy Baldwin and Rosa DeLauro of the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Subcommittee expressing concern regarding the Administration's Fiscal Year 2026 budget for the Department of Health and Human Services.
FY26 Occupational Safety and Health Appropriations Coalition Letter (April 22, 2025)
This letter was signed by Intersociety Forum members and sent to Chairs Robert Aderholt and Shelley Moore Capito and Ranking Members Rosa DeLauro and Tammy Baldwin ofthe Labor, Health and Human Services, Education and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee to express support for the health and safety of America's workforce with recommended FY 2026 funding of OSHA at $655.5 million and restoration of critical NIOSH programs.
Intersociety Forum's Letter to Congress (April 11, 2025)
This letter was signed by 27 organizations and sent to Chairman Bill Cassidy, M.D., and Ranking Member Bernie Sanders of the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, and expresses concern for workplace safety research and business performance as a result of actions taken to restructure the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
ACOEM's Letter to Congress (April 9, 2025)
This letter to Chairman Robert Aderholt, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, and members of the U.S. House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies provides outside witness testimony addressing Health and Human Services (HHS) FY26 NIOSH funding.
Friends of NIOSH Letter to Congress (April 7, 2025)
This letter was addressed to the House and Senate Labor/HHS Appropriations Committee leaders, as well as four leaders of Congress. Senators with a NIOSH facility in their state also received this letter. The letter was signed by professional organizations and companies affected by the government changes.
Congressional Letter (April 4, 2025)
This letter was sent to the White House and Department of Health and Human Services from Congressman Greg Landsman and co-signed by various Members of Congress, and urges the administration to reverse the termination decisions at NIOSH.
Member Mobilization
ACOEM NIOSH/OSHA Backgrounder
General talking points and specific examples of direct services provided by NIOSH to the nation, the impact of NIOSH on research in occupational health and safety, the role of NIOSH-funded education and research centers, and more.
Media
Infographics
