The Most Popular NIOSH Content from 2017

As we embark upon a new year we look back to see what NIOSH information our readers, online visitors, followers and tweeters accessed during 2017. We have complied a list of the top five most popular NIOSH blogs, tweets, web pages, search terms, publications and Facebook posts during 2017.

Last year we also increased our presence on Instagram. We reached 1000 followers and hope to keep growing  in 2018. We shared great photos of NIOSH research and researchers, some of which were exclusive to Instagram. Our post with the most impressions featured our very own director, Dr. John Howard, encouraging everyone to get their flu shot. Our most engaging post was none other than safety cat, encouraging you to be safe at work!

NIOSH Science Blog

In 2017, NIOSH celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the NIOSH Science Blog. The blog was viewed just under 500,000 times in 2017. Here is a list of the most viewed blogs of 2017.

1. So How Accurate Are These Smartphone Sound Measurement Apps?
2. New NIOSH Sound Level Meter App
3. Dangers of Bathtub Refinishing
4. N95 Respirators and Surgical Masks
5. To Beard or not to Beard? That’s a good Question!

Twitter

In 2017, our tweets from @NIOSH have had more than 3 million impressions. Here are the tweets with the most likes and retweets in 2017.

1. Cleaning up after #Harvey or #Irma? Learn about the types of air-purifying respirators you may  need to use https://t.co/3Y5PW91IUs
2. Follow NIOSH all month long to learn how to #KeepEachOtherSafe at work during #NationalSafetyMonth https://t.co/90Tip32KYP
3. Are you an emergency responder? Stay safe while working with NIOSH resources https://t.co/Im2p4BJDJI #Irma
4. #N95 respirators protect against airborne particles. Make sure you’re wearing yours properly while cleaning up after #Harvey https://t.co/DlUVqEcGqp
5. Responding to #Harvey? NIOSH has storm/flood response info to keep you safe while you help save others https://t.co/Im2p4BJDJI

NIOSH Publications/Products

The following NIOSH publications were the most downloaded off the NIOSH website in 2017.

1. List of Antineoplastic and Other Hazardous Drugs in Healthcare Settings
2. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards
3. NIOSH Lifting Equation
4. Findings from a Study of Cancer among U.S. Fire Fighters
5. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods

NIOSH Web Pages

In 2017, the NIOSH website was viewed about 17 million times. The top viewed pages on the NIOSH website in 2017 were:

1. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards (NPG)
2. Bloodborne Infectious Diseases – Emergency Sharps Information
3. Workplace Violence Prevention for Nurses
4. NIOSH-Approved N95 Particulate Filtering Facepiece Respirators
5. NIOSH Manual of Analytical Methods 4^th Edition

Search Terms

The top search engine words or phrases that directed readers to the NIOSH website include:

1. NIOSH/ National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
2. NIOSH Pocket Guide
3. Heat Stress
4. Universal Precautions
5. Bloodborne Pathogens

NIOSH Facebook

In 2017, we gained over 3000 new likes of our Facebook page. Users shared NIOSH Facebook posts 96,000 times. The most shared NIOSH Facebook Posts include:

1.  It’s day 1 of the 2017 Stand-Down! Join NIOSH and make the case for focusing on falls. Infographics are available as well as other information to help demonstrate to your workers why falls can happen to anyone. #StandDown4Safety http://stopconstructionfalls.com/stand-down-five-day-plan/
2. Are work-related musculoskeletal injuries and disorders (MSDs) a problem in your workplace? Do you wish you could tailor an ergonomics program to your particular work setting or situation? Use the step-by-step guide in our updated web version of the NIOSH document Elements of Ergonomics Programs to create, implement, and maintain an ergonomics program that works for you! https://go.usa.gov/xRQbr
3. This month is No-Shave November and Movember. Can you grow your facial hair if you wear a respirator at work? Find out on the NIOSH Science Blog. https://go.usa.gov/xnTaV
4. It’s day 4 of the 2017 Stand-Down! Have a supervisor, on-site safety professional, or guest expert demonstrate how to properly fit, wear, and use fall protection. #StandDown4Safety http://stopconstructionfalls.com/stand-down-five-day-plan/
5. October is Protect Your Hearing Month. Did you know we have a free Sound Level Meter App? Wondering how it works? Watch our brand new video and visit our website to learn more. https://go.usa.gov/xn3CV

If you missed any of this information the first time around, now is the perfect time to catch up. Here’s to a happy, safe and productive 2018!

Julie Tisdale-Pardi, MA, is the NIOSH Science Blog Coordinator.

Garrett Burnett, MS, MBA, is a technology transfer specialist in NIOSH’s Research to Practice Office and an assistant coordinator for NIOSH’s Small Business Assistance Program.

Stephanie Stevens, MA, is a Health Communication Specialist in the NIOSH Office of the Director.

Katie Shahan, JD, is the NIOSH Social Media Manager and a Health Communication Specialist in the NIOSH Office of the Director.