News Release
Wednesday, August 5, 1998
Contact: Bonnie Friedman (202) 219-8151

Jordan Barab, an expert in workplace safety and health known for his ability to build strong coalitions around public health issues, will join the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in September as special assistant to the assistant secretary.

Charles Jeffress, assistant secretary of labor for OSHA, said that Barab is uniquely qualified to assume the post. "Jordan Barab brings nearly 20 years of experience in workplace safety and health. He is a leader in promoting and developing public health policies that benefit workers throughout the nation. We are pleased to welcome him and his contributions to OSHA."

In his new role Barab will work closely with Jeffress on a variety of issues, providing advice and consultation on program and policy matters. His portfolio will include special focus on service industries, including identifying high risk occupations and industries, expanding agency services for these industries, developing outreach materials, helping prepare agency compliance officers for inspections and assistance efforts and identifying emerging issues. He will also provide advice to the assistant secretary on issues of concern to employees, unions, professional organizations and other stakeholder groups.

Barab will become the second special assistant to the assistant secretary, joining Art DeCoursey who serves as the agency's small business liaison.

Since 1982 Barab has worked for the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). For the past eight years he served as the assistant director for health and safety, directing the organization's efforts to reduce injuries and illnesses in American workplaces. In that capacity Barab collaborated with OSHA and other organizations on such issues as AIDS, tuberculosis and workplace violence.

A member of numerous professional organizations, Barab has written and lectured extensively on job safety and health issues. He is a 1975 graduate of Claremont Mens College in California and earned his master's degree in 1978 from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies. Originally from California, he and his family now live in Takoma Park, Md., a suburb of Washington, D.C.