What the New OSHA Nominee Means for You

David Michaels was approved by a Senate committee on November 18th for the position of OSHA director. Although, he must still be approved by the full Senate, Michaels, a professor and former Energy Department official, has already created a buzz within the industry.

His track record and background displays a strong preference in government regulation as opposed to the self-policing method that seemed to be the approach used by the previous OSHA administration. There are many in the industry feel that Michaels will bring increased regulations and drive up costs. So much so that a number of business groups sought a hearing on the new nominee.

Still others are heralding the new nominee as fighter for “the little guy.”  Touting the testimony he gave before Congress almost two years ago. Labor officials see Michaels as the type of leader that will take a strong stance against workplace injuries and worker fatalities.  Plus, the idea of having a leader who favors a scientific approach is a boon to industry insiders such as the vice president for the Council of Professional Affairs and the AFL-CIO’s director safety and health.

While there will be advantages and disadvantages from advocates and proponents alike, there are a few key aspects that businesses need to consider and be prepared to handle.

• A greater emphasis on reporting – Although the NEP was a sign of things to come, expected injury reporting to be scrutinized at higher levels under Michaels.
• Increased Regulation – In his book, Doubt is Their Product, Michaels displayed views towards corporations and big business that call for greater oversight.
• A new look at ergonomics – while ergonomic policies and equipment have been recommendations of OSHA in the past.  Both industry analyst and business appear to be expecting ergonomic standard from Michaels.

Still, what it will boil down to is dollars and sense.  Even with revisions and new standards, OSHA has in the past assessed the cost of compliance to companies.  There should be little denial in the fact that a good ergonomic program can reduce the number or workplace accidents or decrease the severity of injuries.  New standards need to take the cost of compliance into consideration.

References:

Wilson, Reid: Industry Wants OSHA Nominee Hearing: http://thehill.com/business-a-lobbying/62345-business-groups-target-osha-nominee; accessed on November 22, 2009.

Goodman, Sara: Conservatives Raise Questions About OSHA Nominee: http://www.nytimes.com/gwire/2009/09/24/24greenwire-conservatives-raise-questions-about-osha-nomin-31249.html; accessed on November 22, 2009.