On Wednesday, the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted to move forward the nominee for Assistant Secretary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Professor David Michaels of the George Washington University School of Public Health nomination now awaits a vote on the Senate floor. There has been no opportunity for a hearing that would allow the Senate as well as the public to learn more about the approach Professor Michaels will take at OSHA.
AGC was strongly disappointed that the nominee was not subject to a hearing by the HELP Committee to thoroughly explore the views that Professor Michaels has on OSHA and how he intends to direct the agency in his expected position. AGC, along with other groups, sent a letter to the Chairman and the Ranking Member of the HELP Committee asking for a hearing to further explore his views on the role of compliance assistance as a tool for work place safety, as well as the approach he plans to take on enforcement measures. In addition, the letter noted that OSHA nominees have traditionally had to appear at a hearing to answer questions. This runs counter to the Obama Administration policy of openness and transparency .
At this time, it is unclear when the Senate will schedule floor time for a vote on Professor Michaels. AGC will continue to follow this nomination process.
For more information, contact Kelly Knott at (202) 547-4685 or knottk@agc.org.
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