News Release

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OSHA News Release: [11/15/2007]
Contact Name: Sharon Worthy or David Sims
Phone Number: 202-693-4679 or x1898
Release Number: 07-1766-NAT

U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao announces new membership of OSHA advisory committee

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced the appointment of seven members to the 12-person National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH).

“America’s workers will benefit from the diverse perspectives and expertise of these committee members who will be working with the department in advancing workplace safety and health,” said Secretary Chao.

The committee, established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, advises the Secretaries of Labor and Health and Human Services on occupational safety and health programs. Members of the advisory committee are chosen on the basis of their knowledge and experience in occupational safety and health. The committee is administered by the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“I believe we have struck the right chord in assembling this group of skilled experts,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA Edwin G. Foulke Jr. “We sought out nominees from varied backgrounds, and that is what we achieved. Each appointee brings vast knowledge and unique insights that will help assist us in our mission to assure a safe and healthful workplace.”

To ensure continuity in the committee, each member serves a two-year term.

The newly appointed members are:

Labor Representative
Barbara McCabe, program manager, International Union of Operating Engineers

Management Representative
Jennifer Marie Bailey, safety manager, American Cast Iron Pipe Co.

Safety Representative
JKarl A. Jacobson, senior vice president, loss prevention, Liberty Mutual Insurance Group

Health Representative
Susan Randolph, clinical instructor, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill (one of two members designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and appointed by the Secretary of Labor)

The reappointed members are:

Public Representatives
Douglas Kalinowski, director, Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Vickie Wells, director, Occupational Safety and Health, San Francisco Department of Public Health (one of two members designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and appointed by the Secretary of Labor)

Labor Representative
Kevin M. Sommers, Warren Michigan Police Department, Fraternal Order of Police, Grand Lodge

Continuing members are:

Public Representatives
Alan C. McMillan, president and chief executive officer, National Safety Council

Catherine L. Thomsen, project lead for special research initiatives, California Breast Cancer Research Program, Office of the President, University of California

Safety Representative
Emory Knowles III, manager, industrial hygiene and safety, Northrop Grumman Corp.

Health Representative
Dr. James Blessman, assistant professor, Wayne State University

Management Representative
Jim Swartz, director, Corporate Safety and Compliance, Delta Airlines

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. OSHA’s role is to assure the safety and health of America’s working men and women by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

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