NIOSH and America Makes partner to advance research in Additive Manufacturing
January 18, 2020
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), a US federal institute that conducts research and makes recommendations for preventing work-related injuries, illnesses and deaths, has partnered with the US’s National Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Institute, America Makes, Youngstown, Ohio, USA, to contribute to advancing knowledge and practice in Additive Manufacturing research.
NIOSH joins more than 220 member organisations working together to advance and disseminate understanding in AM. America Makes, as a public-private consortium, serves as a ‘teaching factory’ to build workforce skills at multiple levels, and to strengthen business capabilities in both large and small advanced manufacturing companies. NIOSH is reportedly well-positioned to contribute to the emerging knowledge and guidance around workplace safety practices, for both employers and workers.
According to NIOSH, the membership with America Makes will allow the federal institute to increase collaboration in scientific research, discovery, innovation, education, and recommendations relating to workplace environment, safety, and health. Some of NIOSH’s current research is investigating potential respiratory health effects from exposure to emissions from Additive Manufacturing, including exposure to ultrafine particles, evaluating engineering controls, and providing good practise guidance to protect workers.
“We are pleased to enter into what promises to be a collaborative and creative partnership with America Makes,” stated John Howard, MD, Director of NIOSH. “By working alongside industry, academia and other government partners, we can together leverage existing resources, collaborate, and co-invest to advance manufacturing innovation.”
