Government Affairs Blog

Don't get me wrong. I am totally supportive of holding Congressional hearings to discuss issues of importance. But I'm gettign a little tired of hearings being held to simply provide PR for the Committee Chair or others who want to "look good". This week we have three separate hearings to discuss OSHA. One on victims, one on ehanced enforcement and one on penalties - all important issues to be sure. But waht will come of these hearings? I'm willing to bet that not much will happen. But I guess just airing the problems is supposed to be enough

Posted by Aaron Trippler at 10:57 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Okay, I realize the country has many problems the administration has to address. But is it asking too much for them to at least consider finding someone to head up the CDC and NIOSH. It's bad enough the agency has been leaderless for nearly a year already, but the dealy indicates a "less than supportive" effort to seriously look at OH&S research. And don't tell me thee is no one qualified! The best leader NIOSH has ever had, Dr. John Howard, is still available to return to the Institute. If this administration is serious about worker health and safety they can surely find a little time to address this problem.

Posted by Aaron Trippler at 11:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Don't know about you, but I'm beginning to have some concern about who will be the next leader at OSHA. Not worried so much that it could yet take several months; rather the fact that the latest names floating around seem to be those with little "hands-on" experience with OH&S. You would think labor and industry would both agree that if we are to get anything accomplished at this agency it will take someone who understands OH&S, not just politics. I will still give the administration the benefit of the doubt until someone is nominated, but let's hope they pick someone who knows what is going on. Oh yeah, one other thing - you would think the administration might take a few minutes to call the professional OH&S associations to find out what they think about the leadership position. We already know what labor and industry think.

Posted by Aaron Trippler at 10:27 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)