# NIOSH Spokane Mining Research Division > division of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health **Wikidata**: [Q123344556](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q123344556) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/niosh-spokane-mining-research-division ## Summary The NIOSH Spokane Mining Research Division is a division of the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) focused on mining safety and health research. It was originally established in 1951 as part of the United States Bureau of Mines. The division is also known by several other names, including the Spokane Research Laboratory and the Spokane Research Center. ## Key Facts - **Inception:** The organization was founded in 1951. - **Parent Organization:** Its parent organization is the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (as of 2015). - **Previous Parent Organizations:** It was part of the United States Bureau of Mines until 1997, after which it became part of the NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research until 2015. - **Instance Of:** It is classified as both a division and a government agency. - **Replaces:** The Spokane Mining Research Division replaced the NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research in 2015. - **Aliases:** It is also known as Spokane Mining Research Division, PMRD, Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL), Spokane Research Center (SRC), and Western Field Operations Center. - **Official Names:** Official names include Spokane Mining Research Division, Spokane Research Laboratory, and Spokane Research Center. - **Subsidiaries:** Its organizational structure includes the NIOSH Spokane Mining Research Division Office of the Director, the NIOSH Miner Health Branch, and the NIOSH Miner Safety Branch. ## FAQs **What is the history of the Spokane Mining Research Division?** The division originated in 1951 within the United States Bureau of Mines. Its administrative home changed in 1997 when it moved to the NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research, and it was reorganized under NIOSH directly in 2015. **What are the other names for this division?** It operates under several names, including Spokane Mining Research Division, Spokane Research Laboratory (SRL), Spokane Research Center (SRC), and the acronyms PMRD (Pittsburgh Mining Research Division) and Western Field Operations Center. **What is the organizational structure of the division?** The division comprises three main internal units: the Office of the Director, the Miner Health Branch, and the Miner Safety Branch. These branches focus on specific areas of mining safety and health research. ## Why It Matters The NIOSH Spokane Mining Research Division plays a critical role in enhancing the safety and health of miners in the United States. Its research directly contributes to reducing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities in the mining industry. The division's long history, dating back to 1951, signifies a sustained national commitment to addressing the unique and hazardous conditions associated with mining operations through scientific inquiry and the development of practical safety solutions. ## Notable For - One of the primary federal entities dedicated specifically to mining safety and health research. - Possesses a long and continuous operational history since 1951, tracing its roots through major governmental reorganizations from the Bureau of Mines to NIOSH. - Maintains a distinct identity with multiple recognized names and acronyms, reflecting its evolution and specific functional focus. ## Body ### History and Lineage The NIOSH Spokane Mining Research Division has a lineage that reflects significant changes in federal mining safety administration. It was originally established in 1951 as part of the United States Bureau of Mines. In 1997, following the closure of the Bureau of Mines, the division was transferred to the newly formed NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research. A major reorganization in 2015 resulted in the division replacing the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research and reporting directly to NIOSH. ### Organizational Identity and Classification The entity is formally classified as both a division and a government agency. It operates under the official names Spokane Mining Research Division, Spokane Research Laboratory, and Spokane Research Center. It is also widely known by its acronyms (SRL, SRC, PMRD) and the alias Western Field Operations Center. ### Internal Structure The division is composed of several subsidiary branches that focus on specialized areas of mining research. - **NIOSH Spokane Mining Research Division Office of the Director:** Provides overall leadership and administrative oversight. - **NIOSH Miner Health Branch:** Focuses on occupational health issues affecting miners, such as respiratory diseases and hearing loss. - **NIOSH Miner Safety Branch:** Concentrates on safety engineering and controls to prevent mining accidents and injuries. ### Parent Organizations The division's reporting structure has evolved over time. - **United States Bureau of Mines:** Served as the original parent organization from its inception in 1951 until 1997. - **NIOSH Office of Mine Safety and Health Research:** Acted as the immediate parent organization from 1997 until it was replaced by the division in 2015. - **National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH):** Has been the direct parent organization since the 2015 reorganization. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/works/coversheet1143.html) 2. [Source](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2015/09/22/2015-24007/statement-of-organization-functions-and-delegations-of-authority)