Education and Information Division (EID)

The Education and Information Division (EID) develops and transfers information and provides recommendations to foster prevention of occupational injuries and diseases. This is done through targeted information dissemination, training research, and the development of qualitative and quantitative risk assessments. EID also maintains the Institute's Internet website, exhibits program, audiovisual and publication support, and Docket Office. Major programs of emphasis include:

Information Dissemination

EID develops and delivers occupational safety and health information to workers, employers, health professionals, government agencies, labor unions, academia, and the general public. Information is disseminated through the NIOSH Web site, CDC toll-free phone and e-mail service (CDC-INFO), the publications clearinghouse, and the exhibit program. To support these dissemination efforts, EID coordinates with CDC-INFO and manages the NIOSH publications’ database development and searching activity.

Development of Policy, Technical, and Educational Documents

EID identifies hazards in the workplace and recommends measures for the control or elimination of these hazards. As part of this process, EID documents health risks to workers and develops information on measures for correcting and preventing them. The Division also develops policy and technical documents to recommend criteria for safety and health standards under development by OSHA and MSHA. Educational documents, which educate workers about workplace hazards and encourage safe work practices, are prepared for workers, employers, and the general public.

Translational Research

EID, in collaboration with internal and external partners, evaluates the effectiveness of occupational safety and health program interventions that are designed to deliver NIOSH research findings and recommendations to the workplace in such a way that they are utilized effectively to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses. To achieve this, EID develops model training curricula and new training materials, investigates the effectiveness of various communication messages and methodologies, explores partnerships leading to increased use of OSH information in the workplace, and assesses the effectiveness of multiple dissemination and delivery mechanisms. The purpose of this research is to understand the multiple factors influencing integration and adoption of occupational safety and health information and best practices recommendations. This research leads to improved health and safety training programs, more effective training materials and informational products, greater awareness of health and safety hazards and their controls in the workplace, worker engagement in health and safety leading to safer workplace behaviors, and greater utilization of health and safety controls and administrative practices by management. All of these elements help decrease workplace injuries and fatalities.

Risk Evaluation Program

EID develops qualitative and quantitative information on the risks from occupational exposure to health and safety hazards. These risk assessments support development of NIOSH internal policy and the development of standards by our regulatory partners at OSHA and MSHA, and are often relevant to other agencies such as EPA and the World Health Organization. Quantitative risk assessment presently being conducted include evaluations of the risk associated with exposures to diacetyl, 1-bromopropane and manganese in welding fume.