Thank you for the perspective. What specific input to CSB should CHAS provide? We are looking for your suggestions.

I have been following the CSB since before my retirement several years ago, and I can attest that it has all the elements of a reality TV series!  For example:  CSB staff morale based on internal surveys has been very poor; staff turnover has been exceptionally high (contributing to delays in completing investigations); there has been significant discord among CSB Board members, as well as poor relations with Congress (culminating in a bipartisan request that ultimately resulted in resignation of the previous CSB Board Chair at the request of President Obama); refusal for a time of the previous CSB Chair to cooperate with an EPA Inspector General investigation of use of private e-mails to conduct CSB business; and a surprise vote (characterized as a "boardroom coup") at the end of a January 2015 public meeting to end three CSB investigations and consolidate power with the CSB Chair (note that the vote on this power consolidation was reversed at the May 10 public meeting of the CSB Board).

Despite all this drama and its flaws, the CSB has done some exceptional work that is highly valued.  Mark Griffon, who is the interim CSB Chair (his term expires in June) has begun some much needed steps to open up the CSB to regular public input, as well as laying out its plans for public scrutiny.  I'm willing to keep an open mind regarding Vanessa Sutherland's leadership of the CSB, presuming her appointment will be approved by the Senate.  DCHAS members certainly should take advantage of the opportunity for input on the future direction of the CSB.

Richard Rosera
Rosearray EHS Services LLC

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------ Original Message ------

From: ILPI Support
To: DCHAS-L**At_Symbol_Here**MED.CORNELL.EDU
Sent: May 27, 2015 at 10:43 AM
Subject: Re: [DCHAS-L] CSB Public Meetings - input?

I'll crawl out on a limb here and comment on something I know little about.

 

How does this resume qualify someone to lead the CSB?  http://www.allgov.com/news/appointments-and-resignations/chair-of-the-chemical-safety-and-hazard-investigation-board-who-is-vanessa-allen-sutherland-150329?news=856087 

 

Opinion mode on: Ms Sutherland apparently worked for Altria aka Philip Morris from 2004 to 2011 = 7 years.   In other words, she used her tremendous talent to defend an industry which, using CDC stats, caused 3.36 million premature deaths in the US alone during her tenure at Altria, plus millions more internationally.    Can someone who works at a chemical plant, refinery or laboratory tell me with a straight face that this is the person they want to protect their lives and safety?

 

Even putting that aside, her limited experience as counsel at DOT doesn't pass my litmus test.  I want someone with background and experience in chemical safety process management, an advanced science degree, and/or investigatory experience etc. to lead the CSB.   I feel really sad for the (awesome) investigative staff at CSB right now.

 

Ow, my head hurts trying to understand this appointment!

 

Rob Toreki

 

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On May 27, 2015, at 11:33 AM, Debbie M. Decker <dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**UCDAVIS.EDU> wrote:

 

Hi and Hello:

 

I'd like to hear input from the Division on the two questions (below) posed by the CSB for discussion at their upcoming public meeting(s).

Washington, DC, May 12, 2015 - Today the US Chemical Safety Board (CSB) announced that the board will host two public meetings in June 2015 in order to increase dialogue with CSB stakeholders.  

The first meeting will bring together stakeholders from industry, labor, trade, professional associations, and environmental organizations on Wednesday, June 10th -- location to be announced shortly. The meeting will begin at 9:00 am and will include discussion focusing on two main issues:

=B7         Emerging safety issues/what should the CSB be looking at in its strategic plan?

=B7         How can the CSB optimize its investigations and recommendations?

Tell me what you think!

 

Best,

 

Debbie M. Decker, CCHO, ACS Fellow

Chair, Division of Chemical Health and Safety

University of California, Davis

(530)754-7964

(530)304-6728

dmdecker**At_Symbol_Here**ucdavis.edu

 

Birkett's hypothesis: "Any chemical reaction

that proceeds smoothly under normal conditions,

can proceed violently in the presence of an idiot."