Obama nominates OSHA head

On July 28th, the White House said President Obama plans to nominate Dr. David Michaels, an epidemiologist, to head the government's workplace safety agency-OSHA. The position would also make him an assistant secretary in the Labor Department.

Michaels is a professor at The George Washington University School of Public Health and Health Services. In the past, he previously worked in the Clinton administration where he focused on the health of workers and neighbors of nuclear weapons facilities.

Many are describing the nomination as "a win for every worker." Rep. George Miller (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Education and Labor Committee, says Michaels’ expertise and leadership will help OSHA “restore vital health and safety protections for America’s workers.”

The OSHA position requires Senate confirmation.

Sources:
http://blog.aflcio.org/2009/07/29/obama-nominates-occupational-health-expert-to-head-osha/
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/07/28/obama_nominates_osha_head/