Abstract
The major activities of NIOSH during 1979 are reviewed. Areas of health surveillance, health, safety and control technology research; technical assistance and training and workforce development are discussed. Currently about 250 Health Hazard Evaluations are conducted every year. NIOSH is conducting approximately 35 epidemiologic studies to determine occupational disease among workers exposed to particular substances. Substances suspected to be teratogenic or to adversely affect reproduction are being studied. Surveillance efforts and special projects relating to forklift truck operators, industrial stairways, and the incidence of back injuries are described. Methods of dissemination of the results of safety research are being devised. The program for testing and certification of protective equipment has issued 93 respirator certifications and 259 extensions of certification during 1979. Control technology research includes protective equipment, air recirculation, monitoring methods, and hazard control. NIOSH has distributed over 750,000 copies of different publications during 1979.
