The U.S. Senate has confirmed David Keeling as the new Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, placing him at the helm of OSHA during a pivotal time for our profession. 

Assistant Secretary Keeling is a long-time ASSP member with nearly 40 years of experience in occupational EHS. His career journey — including 37 years at UPS and active engagement with labor and business communities — has given him a unique perspective on the importance of collaboration to protect workers. Many of you will recognize his deep commitment to our shared mission: ensuring every worker goes home safe and healthy at the end of the day. 

During his nomination hearing before the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee on June 5, he underscored three priorities for OSHA moving forward: 

• Modernizing standards and oversight by using technology, data and consensus standards to stay ahead of evolving workplace risks. 

• Strengthening cooperation among safety professionals, employers and unions, including updates to OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Programs. 

• Transforming enforcement through proactive, predictive approaches that prevent injuries and fatalities before they happen. 

These focus areas mirror the values ASSP members live every day — advancing risk-based safety practices, applying leading indicators and building strong safety management systems that drive continuous improvement. 

As an ASSP member himself, Assistant Secretary Keeling knows the vital role safety professionals play in shaping safer workplaces. His leadership is an opportunity for our profession to continue raising the bar, and ASSP remains committed to partnering with OSHA in pursuit of meaningful progress. 

Stay Engaged 
ASSP will continue monitoring OSHA’s initiatives under Assistant Secretary Keeling’s leadership and provide members with timely advocacy updates on regulatory and legislative developments. We encourage you to stay connected by subscribing to our Government Affairs and Advocacy Update newsletter and engaging in opportunities to share your expertise and voice as safety professionals. 

Together, we can make sure worker safety remains a national priority.