The U.S. Senate has confirmed David Keeling as the new assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), a move safety community leaders are applauding. With nearly four decades of experience, Keeling is expected to bring a renewed focus to modernizing regulatory oversight using tools like predictive analytics and informed design.

Manufacturing leaders should pay close attention to his agenda, which includes a strong emphasis on leveraging industrial consensus standards to drive best practices and reduce persistent workplace fatalities. His confirmation comes at a crucial time as OSHA seeks to strengthen enforcement and adapt to evolving workplace hazards.

Read more from Fisher Phillips about what to expect from Keeling here. 10/8/2025