Hodgson also served as vice president for industrial relations at Lockheed Corp. “Safety was extremely important in aircraft plants,” he once said, “but as I went around looking at other industries, I was just appalled at the conditions I saw.”
In response to the news of Hodgson’s death, Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis issued a statement:
“James Hodgson once said: ‘I've never had any ambitions; only enthusiasms.’ He was being modest, of course, since one of his ‘enthusiasms’ was worker health and safety. And as the nation’s 12th secretary of labor, he leaves an extraordinary legacy in this area,” Solis said.
“Today, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration – the agency he envisioned and built – employs more than 2,200 people and strives to keep nearly 8 million U.S. workplaces safe and healthy through setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance.”
According to The Malibu Times, Hodgson passed away at his Malibu home due to complications from hip surgery.
About the Author
Laura Walter
Laura Walter was formerly senior editor of EHS Today. She is a subject matter expert in EHS compliance and government issues and has covered a variety of topics relating to occupational safety and health. Her writing has earned awards from the American Society of Business Publication Editors (ASBPE), the Trade Association Business Publications International (TABPI) and APEX Awards for Publication Excellence. Her debut novel, Body of Stars (Dutton) was published in 2021.