What to know
Federal advisory committees are an important way that NIOSH engages with occupational safety and health experts and the public. NIOSH receives input from six committees.
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About
The Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972 (FACA) ensures that advice from advisory committees is objective and accessible to the public. These committees provide a way to receive informed advice from people with diverse areas of professional knowledge and affiliation. Advisory committees also serve as valuable linkages with partners and the public.
NIOSH's Advisory Committees
Six advisory committees provide advice and guidance to NIOSH:
The Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health was established under the Energy Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Program Act of 2000. It provides advice to NIOSH about activities carried out under the Act, such as the methodology of radiation dose reconstructions.
The Mine Safety and Health Research Advisory Committee (MSHRAC) was established under the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977. It provides advice to NIOSH on the conduct of mine health and safety research.
The National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH) was established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It provides advice to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and NIOSH on occupational safety and health programs and policies. NACOSH is led by OSHA with support from NIOSH.
The NIOSH Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC) was established in 1984. The BSC advises the NIOSH Director on NIOSH's occupational safety and health research and prevention programs.
The Safety and Occupational Health Study Section provides advice to NIOSH about applications for funding. Members review of research and conference grant applications, focusing on scientific and technical quality.
The World Trade Center Health Program Scientific/Technical Advisory Committee (STAC) was established by the James Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act of 2010. The program administrator must seek advice from the STAC on eligibility criteria for responder and survivor membership in the Program, as well as research needs for the Program. The administrator may consult with the STAC about whether a particular health condition should be added to the List of WTC-Related Health Conditions.
Contact
NIOSH welcomes any questions about the advisory committees. We invite you to submit your name or to nominate a colleague for a future opening on the committee of interest.
Advisory committees led by other federal agencies
NIOSH also participates in the following advisory committees led by other federal agencies:
Maritime Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, led by OSHA
Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, led by OSHA