The American Public Health Association (APHA), in a press statement yesterday, applauded the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee for approving Dr. David Michaels as the new administrator of OSHA and urged the full Senate to quickly confirm his nomination.

“Dr. Michaels is eminently qualified to lead OSHA,” said Georges C. Benjamin, MD, FACP, FACEP (E), executive director of APHA. “He has proven his skill at protecting workers in a regulatory setting and has earned the respect of the scientific community for his commitment to science as the backbone of sound public health and environmental regulation.”

“OSHA’s job is to protect America’s workers,” continued Benjamin. “The agency is charged with establishing and enforcing the protective rules needed to safeguard working people against hazardous conditions and harmful exposures, including toxic chemical and infectious agents. Unfortunately, OSHA is badly under-resourced and years of foot-dragging have resulted in outdated standards. The agency needs strong leadership to address these shortcomings, and Dr. Michaels is well-positioned to deliver for U.S. workers. We urge the full Senate to quickly confirm his nomination.”