NIOSH, AOHP Sign Healthcare Workplace Agreement

Contact: Fred Blosser (202) 401-3749
October 17, 2006

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP) on October 5 established a collaborative partnership to improve workplace safety and health in the healthcare setting with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The healthcare industry is the second fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy, employing over 12 million workers. While the types of occupational hazards faced by these groups may vary, it is possible to prevent or reduce injuries and illnesses, NIOSH and AOHP agreed. The MOU establishes the official capacity of the collaboration between NIOSH and AOHP, which is intended to promote best practices associated with workplace safety and health issues in the healthcare setting.

“This is an important step in our efforts to protect these workers who have dedicated themselves to helping others,” said NIOSH Director John Howard, M.D. “The MOU allows us to combine our resources to put NIOSH research into practice in the healthcare setting.”

“As an advocate and resource for health and safety protections for healthcare workers, we are excited to combine our resources and network with NIOSH to improve the health and safety of our members,” said AOHP Executive President Denise Knoblauch, R.N. “This is an opportunity for us to come together and advance the effectiveness of the application of the research done in this area.”

AOHP is the leading organization for occupational health professionals working in healthcare. For further information about AOHP visit the Web site at www.aohp.org. NIOSH is the federal agency that conducts research and makes recommendations to prevent work-related injuries, illnesses, and deaths. For more information on NIOSH, call toll-free 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636) or visit the NIOSH web page at www.cdc.gov/niosh/.