On March 12, the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) congratulated Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her confirmation as the Trump administration’s new secretary of labor. 

“On behalf of our membership of 35,000 occupational safety and health professionals, ASSP congratulates Lori Chavez-DeRemer on her confirmation as Secretary of Labor,” ASSP President Pam Walaski said in a statement.

“Every administration presents a fresh opportunity to advance workplace safety and health, and ASSP looks forward to working with the new leadership at the Department of Labor,” she continued.

President Donald J. Trump nominated David Keeling, who, according to his LinkedIn profile, was vice president of global H&S for UPS and director of global road and transportation safety for Amazon, to head the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

“We are encouraged that Secretary Chavez-DeRemer has established a clear record in support of workers as a small business owner and former congresswoman,” Walaski said. “Businesses and organizations in all industries must continue to seek innovative solutions to combat the fact that serious workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities have remained relatively stagnant.

“ASSP members implement safety and health strategies to help reduce those numbers, but ultimate success nationwide requires a collective effort driven by steadfast contributions from all groups and government agencies involved. Safety, health and well-being are inherent rights of every worker.”

Cintas facilities recognized by Michigan VPP

The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) awarded two Cintas facilities with the Michigan Voluntary Protection Program (MVPP) Star award, which recognizes employers’ commitment to workplace safety and health, the state agency announced March 11.

MIOSHA awarded star designations for the company’s Troy and Romulus facilities.

Cintas provides workplace safety, uniform, and facility services and now has four MVPP sites in Michigan and 137 VPP sites nationwide. Federal OSHA establishes cooperative relationships under the federal VPP at workplaces that have implemented a comprehensive safety and health management system.

Cintas has the most VPP sites of any company in the country, according to MIOSHA.

MIOSHA acknowledged the following best practices at the two Cintas facilities:

• Cintas Romulus, a warehouse and distribution center that supplies safety training, first-aid supplies, cabinets, and personal protective equipment, fosters a safety-first culture through employee-driven initiatives like the Ergo Cup Challenge and Safety Observation Program. Employees engage in regular training, near-miss reporting, and continuous safety discussions to identify and correct hazards before incidents occur.
• Management at Cintas Troy, which specializes in selling and servicing first-aid and safety supplies for businesses in the Detroit area, prioritizes safety by ensuring employees actively participate in hazard identification, self-inspections, and continuous safety improvements.

“Achieving MVPP Star status is a significant accomplishment that reflects a deep-rooted commitment to workplace safety and health,” Tarah Kile, MIOSHA consultation education and training division director, said in a statement. “Both facilities have demonstrated a strong safety culture through robust employee engagement, ongoing safety training, and a commitment to continuous improvement.”