The American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP), the world鈥檚 oldest professional safety organization, enthusiastically welcomes the U.S. Senate鈥檚 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).
鈥淥SHA鈥檚 leadership is more important than ever given today鈥檚 workplace safety challenges and the continuing evolution of how work is performed,鈥� said ASSP President Linda Tapp, CSP, ALCM, CPTD. 鈥淲e 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.鈥�
The Society is encouraged by Keeling鈥檚 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. 聽鈥淚t鈥檚 vital to understand the risks workers confront every day, knowing these hazards often have life-and-death implications,鈥� Tapp said. 鈥淲orkplace fatalities are preventable.鈥�
Keeling鈥檚 plan to enhance OSHA鈥檚 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鈥檚 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.
鈥淪afety, health and well-being are inherent rights of every worker,鈥� Tapp said.