Labour advocates express doubts over David Keeling as OSHA head, citing his tenure at UPS during heat safety issues.
Trump’s OSHA Nominee Faces Opposition Over Past Heat Safety Record
Trump’s OSHA Nominee Faces Opposition Over Past Heat Safety Record
David Keeling's nomination raises concerns as he steps into a critical role amid calls for heat protection regulations.
On June 25, 2025, President Trump's nomination of David Keeling to lead the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has ignited discussions about the agency's upcoming heat safety regulations. Keeling, a former health and safety executive at UPS, faced criticism during his time for not supporting measures to protect truck drivers from extreme heat, despite drivers pleading for air-conditioning in delivery vans.
As Keeling prepares for a Senate committee vote, his upcoming leadership would coincide with OSHA's consideration of its first ever federal guideline aimed at safeguarding approximately 36 million workers, particularly in sectors like agriculture and construction. This proposed rule seeks to implement regulations stipulating the provision of water and mandatory rest breaks when temperature thresholds are exceeded.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing UPS drivers, previously endorsed President Trump and supports Keeling, emphasizing his extensive background in health and safety. Kara Deniz, a Teamsters spokesperson, asserts that Keeling is a knowledgeable candidate capable of meaningful dialogue regarding worker safety.
Conversely, union advocates and some drivers have expressed skepticism about his ability to manage heat safety concerns, reflecting on Keeling’s time at UPS when requests for air-conditioning and personal cooling devices were left unmet. UPS management contested that air-conditioning would be ineffective given the trucks' operational nature, raising questions about Keeling's dedication to addressing such serious workplace hazards.
As Keeling prepares for a Senate committee vote, his upcoming leadership would coincide with OSHA's consideration of its first ever federal guideline aimed at safeguarding approximately 36 million workers, particularly in sectors like agriculture and construction. This proposed rule seeks to implement regulations stipulating the provision of water and mandatory rest breaks when temperature thresholds are exceeded.
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, representing UPS drivers, previously endorsed President Trump and supports Keeling, emphasizing his extensive background in health and safety. Kara Deniz, a Teamsters spokesperson, asserts that Keeling is a knowledgeable candidate capable of meaningful dialogue regarding worker safety.
Conversely, union advocates and some drivers have expressed skepticism about his ability to manage heat safety concerns, reflecting on Keeling’s time at UPS when requests for air-conditioning and personal cooling devices were left unmet. UPS management contested that air-conditioning would be ineffective given the trucks' operational nature, raising questions about Keeling's dedication to addressing such serious workplace hazards.
