Former OSHA Administrator Jeffress Surfaces at Chemical Safety Board

June 19, 2002
Former Assistant Secretary of Labor Charles N. Jeffress was named chief operating officer of the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board today. Jeffress becomes the agency's senior civil service official, ending a two-and-a-half year period of interim administration.

Jeffress served as OSHA administrator from 1997 to 2001. Named Business Week "Regulator of the Year" in 2001, Jeffress oversaw the first major amendments to the Occupational Safety and Health Act and established several award-winning new programs while at OSHA, including an agency-wide performance management system.

"We are delighted that Mr. Jeffress has decided to join our management team," said CSB board member Dr. Gerald Poje, who served as the board's interim executive. "He brings a wealth of pertinent knowledge and experience and is one of the most widely respected leaders throughout the safety community. With his selection and the pending nominations of a new chairperson and board member, the CSB will be well positioned to tackle new challenges."

Prior to serving in the Labor Department, Jeffress served as director of North Carolina OSHA. He has been widely credited with improving the standing of the agency following a disastrous workplace fire in the state. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina (UNC) and holds management certificates from UNC and Harvard University.

About the Author

Sandy Smith

Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

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