ASSP Applauds Naming of Member to Head OSHA

PARK RIDGE, IL -- The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world’s oldest professional safety organization, enthusiastically welcomes the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of David Keeling as the 14th Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health.
 
An ASSP member since 2002, Keeling brings nearly four decades of experience to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“OSHA’s leadership is more important than ever given today’s workplace safety challenges and the continuing evolution of how work is performed,” said ASSP President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD. “We know David is a strong proponent of protecting workers, and his extensive knowledge and skills as a safety professional will certainly help the agency. We look forward to working with him and his staff on many substantial issues.”

The Society is encouraged by Keeling’s commitment and vision to modernize regulatory oversight and rulemaking through the implementation of cutting-edge technologies, predictive analytics and informed design, which can significantly reduce workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

“It’s vital to understand the risks workers confront every day, knowing these hazards often have life-and-death implications,” Tapp said. “Workplace fatalities are preventable.”

Keeling’s plan to enhance OSHA’s use of industrial consensus standards is a critical step in bolstering worker safety across all industries. He has publicly acknowledged the rigorous review and continuous improvement inherent in these standards, which focus on industry best practices and are vital for driving business improvement, injury prevention and sustainability. ASSP is a leader in the creation of consensus standards.

The Society, which represents 36,000 safety and health professionals, has strongly supported OSHA and other federal agencies to help protect the nation’s essential public safety and health infrastructure.

Moving forward, ASSP is ready to collaborate closely with Keeling and his team, united by the shared mission of ensuring safe and healthy conditions at all American workplaces.

“Safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of every worker,” Tapp said.

Since 1911, the American Society of Safety Professionals has helped occupational safety and health professionals protect people, property and the environment. The nonprofit society is based in Chicago’s suburbs. Its global membership of over 35,000 professionals develops safety and health management systems that prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities.

For more, go to www.assp.org.