Government Affairs Blog

Nearly six months into the new administration and we still have no word on who will be nominated as Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. An early flurry of activity from the administration found dozens and dozens of nominations and confirmations. What about OSHA? I am beginning to believe this administration has decided to let OSHA linger without any permanent leadership for several more months. The name we kept hearing, David Michaels, has not been mentioned in weeks. Is there a problem? Who knows. What I do know is that those who believe the increased activity at the agency will result in completion of many delayed standards,rules, regualtions, etc. had better not get their hopes up.

Posted by Aaron Trippler at 09:55 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)

For all of the talk during the campaign about the increased efforts in occupational heatlh and safety, there sure doesn't seem to be any action. OH&S professionals were hoping the new administration would not only focus a little more on OH&S, but perhaps even make it a high priority. Yet here we are in mid-March and not even a peep out of the administration about who might lead OSHA, MSHA or NIOSH. And don't let anyone tell you that the administration is showing its commitment by increasing funding for OSHA and NIOSH in the 09 omnibus bill that just passed. If someone says this, then ask them why earmarks were left in? The administration said this bill was last year's bill so they sure better not take credit for the increase in OSHA and NIOSH funding. But I'll wait and see the commitment for 2010 before we make any final judgments.

Posted by Aaron Trippler at 10:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)