​DOHS is committed to provide occupational safety and health programs for federal employees.  It is the responsibility of NIH to comply with safety and health standards issued under Section 6 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970.  To foster a safe work environment, DOHS provides the highest practical degree of safety and health for employees in all activities of the NIH. 

The promotion of safety and health policies, practices and procedures is the responsibility of each member of the NIH Community.  Employees are expected to perform their work in a safe manner and to ensure that they do not place themselves, coworkers, visitors or support services personnel at risk of injury or illness due to unsafe or unhealthful conditions, actions or infractions. 

The Office of Research Services (ORS), through the Division of Occupational Health and Safety (DOHS), the Division of the Fire Marshal (DFM) and the Division of Radiation Safety,  have overall responsibility for Occupational Safety and Health at NIH.   ORS provides the following support:

1. Serves as the primary operational component in developing and implementing NIH-wide safety and health programs through surveillance, consultation, training, and education.
2. Provides administrative management for the comprehensive Occupational Safety and Health Program in compliance with NIH policy and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. 
3. Prepares and coordinates the NIH position on proposed legislation and regulations pertaining to safety and industrial hygiene, fire safety, occupational safety and health, education, training, promotion, etc., that are applicable to the NIH. Activities for engineering and environmental hazards control are provided through the Office of Research Facilities Development and Operations.
4. Monitors, investigates, prepares reports and maintains records of NIH work related injuries and illnesses. Develops and implements methods to prevent these work related losses. Conducts and/or assists in the conduct of investigations of hazardous conditions.  Engineering issues pertinent to the NIH are managed by the Office of Research Facilities Development and Operations.
5. Performs workplace reviews as are considered appropriate to evaluate compliance with occupational safety and health policies and procedures.
6. Provides technical assistance to NIH employees at all levels of responsibility on matters pertaining to the Occupational Safety and Health Program. Assesses the need for and develops training programs to promote occupational safety and health.