NYT series, part 2: OSHA Leaves Worker Safety in Hands of Industry (hacks)

[Bozita]

Loosening the Rules
Limits on Actions
This is the second article in a series examining deregulation by federal agencies.

First Article in This Series:
As Trucking Rules Are Eased, a Debate on Safety Intensifies



http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/25/washington/25osha.html?_r=1&hp=&oref=slogin&pagewanted=print

April 25, 2007
OSHA Leaves Worker Safety in Hands of Industry
By STEPHEN LABATON

WASHINGTON, April 24 — Seven years ago, a Missouri doctor discovered a troubling pattern at a microwave popcorn plant in the town of Jasper. After an additive was modified to produce a more buttery taste, nine workers came down with a rare, life-threatening disease that was ravaging their lungs.

Puzzled Missouri health authorities turned to two federal agencies in Washington. Scientists at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, which investigates the causes of workplace health problems, moved quickly to examine patients, inspect factories and run tests. Within months, they concluded that the workers became ill after exposure to diacetyl, a food-flavoring agent.

But the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, charged with overseeing workplace safety, reacted with far less urgency. It did not step up plant inspections or mandate safety standards for businesses, even as more workers became ill.

snip-

Mr. Foulke, the OSHA chief, has a history of opposing regulations produced by the agency he now leads. He has described himself as a “true Ronald Reagan Republican” who “firmly believes in limited government.” Before coming to Washington last year, Mr. Foulke, a former Republican Party state chairman in South Carolina and top political fund-raiser, worked in Greenville, S.C., for a law firm that advises companies on how to avoid union organizing. Representing the United States Chamber of Commerce, he had testified before Congress several times to promote voluntary OSHA compliance programs. He also opposed the ergonomics standards.

-snip-

more...

[Rex]

1. Oh well yes, a perfect person to be in charge of OSHA, perfect for the BFEE.

Ronald Reagan Republican...:puke:

Please, what a fucking stupid thing to say and be in charge of OSHA. I bet he has 3 braincells and only one works.

[Miss Chybil]

2. Another example of how this administration places their own ideology above our safety.

Even though this administration has created the largest, "small government" in American history!

[Bozita]

3. If you don't believe in doing the job and doing it well, how can you accept it?

The entire fucking GOP is anti-any-branch-of-government working properly.

[DeepModem Mom]

4. K&R!

[Bozita]

5. Thom Hartmann is talking about the NYT article now