Source: WDTV
Date: April 2, 2025
MORGANTOWN, W.Va (WDTV) – The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health in Morgantown will soon be scaled back significantly, and employees aren’t the only ones worried about the layoffs. Coal miners used research from NIOSH daily to keep themselves safe. Now with the jobs gone, they’re worried about what’s coming next.
“A huge surprise to the United Mine Workers, that they are willing to shut down so many offices within NIOSH including a lot of the mining programs within NIOSH, for example, the Morgantown office holds the respiratory disease division,” said Erin Bates, United Mine Workers of America Director of Communications.
While most may not realize it, NIOSH is integral to coal mining in West Virginia. According to mining officials, they offered programs specifically designed to help keep miners safe.
“Lung X-ray programs, MSHA’s Part 90 program, which protects these miners from respiratory diseases to close this office is going to have a huge effect on the miners that are in the area,” said Bates.
The UMWA fears there will be even more government cuts, and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) might be axed. Officials want solutions.
“I hope there is a plan in place were hoping that they have taken that into consideration that is going to be detrimental not only to the miners in the area,” said Bates.
Written by: Caine Pittman
