In response to a request from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), the Institute of Medicine (IOM) and the Division of Earth and Life Studies (DELS) of the National Academies (NA) are conducting a series of evaluations of NIOSH research programs. Each evaluation will be conducted by an ad hoc committee, using a methodology and framework developed by the Committee to Review NIOSH Research Programs (framework committee). Each evaluation committee will review the program’s impact, relevance, and future directions. The evaluation committee will evaluate not only what the NIOSH research program is producing, but will also determine whether it is appropriate to credit NIOSH research with changes in workplace practices, hazardous exposures, and/or occupational illnesses and injuries, or whether the changes are the result of other factors unrelated to NIOSH. The program reviews should focus on evaluating the program’s impact and relevance to health and safety issues in the workplace and make recommendations for improvement. In conducting the review, this committee will review the NIOSH Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing Safety and Health Research Program and will address the following elements:1. Assessment of the program’s contribution through occupational safety and health research to reductions in workplace hazardous exposures, illnesses, or injuries through: a. an assessment of the relevance of the program’s activities to the improvement of occupational safety and health, and b. an evaluation of the impact that the program’s research has had in reducing work-related hazardous exposures, illnesses, and injuries. The evaluation committee will rate the performance of the program for its relevance and impact using an integer score of 1 to 5. Impact may be assessed directly (e.g., reductions in illnesses or injuries) or, as necessary, using intermediate outcomes to estimate impact. Qualitative narrative evaluations should be included to explain the numerical ratings. 2. Assessment of the program’s effectiveness in targeting new research areas and identifying emerging issues in occupational safety and health most relevant to future improvements in workplace protection. The committee will provide a qualitative narrative assessment of the program’s efforts and suggestions about emerging issues that the program should be prepared to address. 7/1/07 - The Statement of Task has been updated to more clearly specify the method of the committee's assessment of the program. Sponsor: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).Approximate start date of project is November 22, 2006. A Final Report will be issued at the end of the project in approximately 12 months.The public is invited to submit comments to the study committee.