Donald Trump’s presidency saw over 150 executive orders, many of which focused on enhancing American energy production via the oil, gas, mining, and commercial fishing sectors. However, an alternate executive order led to an unexpected outcome. This directive launched the ‘Department of Government Efficiency,’ commanding federal departments to trim expenses. Subsequently, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) had to close an important Spokane lab, one that has historically shielded workers in the very same hazardous sectors that other orders aimed to boost.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health’s (NIOSH) Spokane Research Lab was caught in the crossfire of this order. Staff members received notice on March 31 that they were to be released as part of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s plan to enhance agency efficiency under Trump’s mandate. He declared this as an aspect of a wider agenda to ‘make America healthier.’ However, these termination plans are currently stalled.
Later in May, California courts ruled that the federal government possibly violated the Constitution by mass dismissing government employees. Consequently, these workers’ termination was put on temporary hold. This legal ruling was not the only obstacle faced by the administration; it also experienced resistance from a West Virginia coal miner’s lawsuit and criticism from both Republican and Democratic members of Congress.
Amid these pressures, Secretary Kennedy scaled back his termination plans and reinstated around 300 of the 900 discharged NIOSH employees in May. However, HHS has been tight-lipped about the rationale behind the dismissals and any potential reversal plans.
A previous attempt to question HHS revealed that Secretary Kennedy is dedicated to maintaining NIOSH’s vital functions while prioritizing workforce health and safety. Yet, the closure of NIOSH is predicted to lead to an increase in blue-collar workers suffering from diseases due to chemical exposure or even dying in accidents.
Some argue that we should expand the Spokane Research Lab’s resources to foster more safety and innovation, instead of shutting it down. Adding to the controversy, Kennedy announced a drastic workforce reduction in March. He planned to cut down the department’s staff from 82,000 to 62,000.
In West Virginia, HHS lawyers stated on Monday that they had adhered to a judge’s order to revive positions at a NIOSH office in Morgantown. However, the miner’s lawyer argued that the reinstated employees still lacked the necessary tools to perform their duties.
One such employee, Art Miller, worked at the Spokane Mining Research Division before retiring at the end of 2020. His career began by focusing on reducing diesel emissions harming miners underground. Funding from the government then allowed him to pursue a doctorate in particle science.
Miller evolved into a silica dust specialist during his tenure. Silica dust, also known as quartz, is a common material in hard-rock mines. Inhalation can lead to silicosis, an incurable respiratory ailment that can sometimes result in death.
He long championed the development of a transportable, immediate-response silica monitor, similar in function to the gas monitors worn by coal miners. Towards the end of his career, Miller finally achieved the funding necessary for it and hired an engineer to continue this innovative work.
The unexpected closure of the NIOSH and the dismissal of essential staff like Miller are concerning, given the critical role these institutions and their professionals play in ensuring worker safety. With the industrial push for harvesting resources, the need for a watchful eye on occupational safety is more crucial than ever.
The battle of efficiency versus the well-being of workers continues to rage on. The aim to streamline operations should not trample the fundamental need for worker safety and well-being. It is this balance that must be mindfully sought in executive orders and policy decisions.
Legal challenges and criticisms from Congress underscore the need for reassessing how the pursuit of efficiency is potentially endangering workers. The rebirth of dormant questions surrounding worker safety and well-being indicates an urgent call for more practical future decisions.
The narrative of Art Miller succinctly illustrates the multi-faceted value these professionals bring to the industry. The expertise they carry can lead to critical innovations that mitigate workplace hazards, which can often be overlooked in the pursuit of economic gain.
The future health of America’s blue-collar workers hangs in the balance as the country grapples with these complex issues. How we choose to prioritize and protect our workforce while simultaneously driving industrial progress will shape the future of American industry.
As the debate continues, it’s clear that our collective decisions will have a long-lasting impact on the nation’s industrial workers and the sectors they support. The government’s bid for increased efficiency should not come at the cost of workers’ safety and health.