As President Trump nominates David Keeling to lead OSHA, he faces scrutiny over his history with heat safety amid the agency’s plans to establish regulations protecting workers from extreme heat.
Trump's OSHA Nominee Faces Criticism Over Heat Safety Record
Trump's OSHA Nominee Faces Criticism Over Heat Safety Record
David Keeling, Trump's pick for leading OSHA, has a controversial past at UPS regarding heat safety as the agency considers new regulations.
David Keeling, nominated by President Trump to oversee the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is being evaluated by a Senate committee for his appointment. His nomination has raised questions owing to his previous tenure at UPS, where workers have long petitioned the company for air-conditioning in delivery vehicles to combat severe heat, a request that was largely ignored during his time as a health and safety executive.
The push for federal regulations to safeguard approximately 36 million workers from heat stress comes at a crucial juncture, as OSHA is contemplating its first federal rules addressing extreme temperatures. These proposed regulations would mandate that employers across sectors such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing provide adequate hydration and rest breaks as temperatures rise.
Labor unions demonstrate a split stance on Keeling's nomination. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, a significant union representing UPS drivers among others, has shown support for his appointment. They claim that Keeling’s extensive background in the field of health and safety makes him a suitable candidate to engage in dialogue about worker protection.
However, dissenting voices among labor advocates and former UPS drivers argue that Keeling has a questionable track record on worker safety. They recall efforts to persuade UPS management to implement necessary safety measures, including air-conditioning in trucks and heating gear, which were often dismissed on the grounds of operational impracticality.
As the committee deliberates on Keeling's pending confirmation, the juxtaposition of his past and the urgent need for worker safety regulations amid escalating temperatures continues to fuel debate among lawmakers, labor organizations, and workers alike.
