Trump's OSHA Pick Faces Heat Safety Controversy as New Rules Loom

David Keeling has been nominated by President Trump to lead the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), coinciding with pending regulations aimed at protecting millions of workers from extreme heat. His former employer, UPS, is known to have resisted such measures, raising concerns about whether Keeling will effectively champion worker safety.

In recent years, UPS truck drivers have continuously pressed the company for air-conditioning in their delivery vans. Despite rising temperatures leading to instances of heat-related illnesses among employees, UPS has largely ignored these requests, citing that frequent stops rendered air-conditioning impractical. As the former health and safety executive at UPS, Keeling is now at the center of this contentious debate, especially as OSHA is considering its first federal rules addressing extreme heat's impact on around 36 million workers across various industries, including agriculture and construction.

Kara Deniz, a representative for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which has endorsed Keeling, believes his background in trades and safety equips him to lead OSHA effectively. However, some labor advocates, along with ex-UPs drivers, express skepticism about his ability to prioritize worker safety, given his past involvement in a company that resisted measures meant to combat extreme heat. As Keeling's confirmation moves to a Senate vote, the outcome will significantly affect the future of workplace heat safety regulations.