The NIOSH Science Blog: Social Media Dissemination of Occupational Safety and Health Information

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) created the NIOSH Science Blog to provide a new way to further the Institute’s long-standing commitment to optimizing two-way communication with partners, stakeholders, and the public. The blog provides an opportunity for NIOSH scientists and stakeholders to present ideas to each other while engaging in robust scientific discussion with the goal of protecting workers. The Blog is structured to serve as a portal for open and honest scientific communication. Since beginning the NIOSH Science Blog in November 2007, the Blog has addressed over 65 topics ranging from work place fatalities, to body art (tattooing); to Vuvuzelas (noise induced hearing loss). The number of “hits” on the site has been growing steadily from over 18,000 in 2007; 95,000 in 2008; 167,000 in 2009; and over 68,000 hits in the first five months of 2010. Using the blog, NIOSH has been able to reach readers in a format they are increasingly using in a personal and professional capacity, tailor the messages to quickly address emerging issues, and to disseminate information relevant to workers and the public through an interactive medium that was not formerly available.