U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced in November the appointment of five new members to the 12-person National Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (NACOSH). Dr. Roy Buchan, Professor Emeritus from the Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences at Colorado State University, is among the new committee members.
“We appreciate the advisory committee members’ willingness to contribute their time and expertise as they assist the department in improving the safety and health of America’s workers,” said Secretary Chao, who noted each committee member serves for a two-year term.
Dr. Buchan will serve as a public representative, one of two members of the committee designated by the Secretary of Health and Human Services and appointed by the Secretary of Labor.
“This appointment is indicative of the respect and reputation that Dr. Buchan has in the field of occupational safety,” said Dr. Lance Perryman, Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. “His dedication and depth of experience in the field will enhance the committee’s ability to advise policy makers in ways that will continue to improve worker health and safety.”
The committee, established under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, advises the secretaries of labor and health and human services on occupational safety and health programs. Members of the advisory committee are chosen on the basis of their knowledge and experience in occupational safety and health. The committee is administered by the Labor Department’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
“OSHA relies on this committee to provide a real-world perspective to our work,” said Thomas M. Stohler, acting Assistant Secretary of Labor for OSHA. “Secretary Chao and Secretary Leavitt are especially grateful that we will be able to call upon the diverse perspectives and deep knowledge of these experts in administering our nation’s workplace safety and health laws.”
