Dean McKenzie officially has been named director of OSHA’s Directorate of Construction after serving as the agency’s acting director since January.
With more than 40 years of experience in the field of construction, McKenzie has an “exceptional” understanding of the safety and health issues facing the industry, according to OSHA.
"Dean has been a valuable member of the OSHA team," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels. "I congratulate him on his new position and I am confident he will continue with his forward thinking and innovative leadership in DOC."
McKenzie began his career in the steel mills of Gary, Ind., as a journeyman millwright in the mid-1970s. He has worked in construction, particularly industrial, in Indiana, Florida, Colorado and the Caribbean. He has been a licensed general contractor, business owner, and project and operations manager.
In his seven years with OSHA, he has accomplished many things, including addressing fatalities in the communication tower industry, building a strong relationship with the Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health, and taking a lead role in the Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction campaign.
McKenzie served as director of OSHA's Office of Construction Services from 2012-2013, then became the deputy director in 2013, and has been the acting director since January of this year.
