David Keeling, President Trump's nominee to head OSHA, carries a controversial history with heat safety issues from his time at UPS, raising concerns as new regulations to protect workers from extreme heat are considered.
Trump's OSHA Head Pick Faces Scrutiny Amid Heat Safety Concerns
Trump's OSHA Head Pick Faces Scrutiny Amid Heat Safety Concerns
Nominee David Keeling’s past at UPS raises questions about his commitment to worker safety as heat regulations loom.
David Keeling, nominated by President Trump to lead the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is under scrutiny due to his past experiences with UPS and Amazon, companies known for resisting heat safety regulations. This comes at a time when OSHA is poised to contemplate its first-ever federal guidelines aimed at shielding millions of workers from oppressive heat conditions.
For years, UPS drivers have voiced their urgency for air-conditioning in their delivery trucks, especially as climate change continues to exacerbate extreme temperatures. Despite these pleas, the company has historically rebuffed such requests, citing operational challenges posed by frequent stops, leading drivers to suffer from heat-related illnesses, including heatstroke.
As the Senate prepares to vote on Keeling's confirmation, labor unions present a mixed response. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, endorsing Trump and Keeling, lauds his extensive safety background within the industry, asserting he epitomizes the necessary expertise for the role. "He’s someone we feel we are able to have a conversation with," stated Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz, emphasizing the union's trust in his abilities.
Contrastingly, various labor advocates and former UPS drivers claim that Keeling's track record does not reflect a genuine commitment to addressing hazardous work conditions. Reports indicate that their demands for cooling measures—including truck air-conditioning and personal cooling systems—were repeatedly dismissed during his tenure.
As Keeling awaits a Senate committee vote, the importance of strong and effective workplace safety rules remains at the forefront, especially since the proposed heat regulations are expected to impact approximately 36 million employees across vital sectors, including agriculture and construction. Drivers and labor advocates are hopeful for a shift towards prioritizing worker safety and health, regardless of the confirmation outcome.
