Enterprise HealthNIOSHNational Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
The research agency, part of the CDC, that studies workplace hazards and recommends occupational-safety standards.
Key facts
- The research arm for occupational safety & health, part of the CDC.
- Publishes Recommended Exposure Limits (RELs) and certifies respirators (e.g., N95).
- Researches the science that often becomes OSHA standards.
What it means
Unlike OSHA, which regulates, NIOSH researches. It develops recommended exposure limits (RELs), certifies respirators (the familiar N95 designation is a NIOSH approval), runs the spirometry and hearing-conservation training that occupational programs rely on, and publishes the science that often becomes the basis for OSHA standards. Occupational-health teams reference NIOSH criteria when designing medical-surveillance and exposure-monitoring protocols.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between NIOSH and OSHA?
NIOSH researches and recommends; OSHA regulates and enforces. NIOSH develops RELs, certifies respirators and runs surveillance training, while OSHA sets the legally enforceable standards.
What does the NIOSH approval on a respirator mean?
It means NIOSH tested and certified the respirator to a performance class — the familiar 'N95' designation is a NIOSH approval. Occupational programs specify NIOSH-approved respirators in their respiratory-protection plans.
Built to satisfy the agencies that govern you.
See how Enterprise Health maps OSHA, DOT, CDC and ONC requirements to one certified system of record.