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OSHA News Release: [12/09/2004]
Contact Name:
Al Belsky or Pamela Groover
Phone Number: (202) 693-4676 or x1999
U.S. Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety
And Health Announces His Plans for Departure
Leaves behind a legacy of accomplishments and strong safety record
WASHINGTON —Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced
today the resignation of Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety
and Health John L. Henshaw. Henshaw is departing his post at the Department
of Labor on December 31, 2004.
“As head of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, John Henshaw
has demonstrated outstanding leadership, great wisdom and sincere concern
for the safety and health of America 's workers,” said Secretary of Labor
Elaine L. Chao. “John's efforts have been instrumental in creating safer
and more healthful workplaces. Under his leadership, workplace fatalities
have declined to record lows, and fatalities among Hispanic workers, which
had been increasing since 1995, have been reduced by nearly 12 percent since
2001.”
Henshaw was nominated by President George W. Bush to head OSHA on June 13,
2001 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on August 3, 2001. During his administration,
OSHA has pursued a vigorous program of firm and fair enforcement, combined
with outreach, education, and compliance assistance to reduce the number
of fatalities, injuries and illnesses in workplaces covered by the Occupational
Safety and Health Act. The agency has consistently exceeded inspection goals,
and created hundreds of alliances and partnerships with business, labor and
community groups to foster safety and health. Because of these efforts, there
are now more than 1,100 sites in OSHA's Voluntary Protection Program, more
than 200 Strategic Partnerships Program sites and nearly 200 Alliances. More
than 350 of these cooperative programs involve unions, which is an all-time
high.
Before his appointment, Henshaw had more than 26 years' experience directing
environmental, safety and health programs in the chemical industry, and served
as president of the American Industrial Hygiene Association, and as a bio-environmental
engineer in the U.S. Air National Guard.
Henshaw received his master's degree in environmental health administration
and industrial health from the University of Michigan in 1974 and his undergraduate
degree from Appalachian State University.
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