Washington — The National Safety Council is among a dozen organizations urging President Donald Trump to nominate a Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner who will ensure data “remains credible and accurate.”
Trump fired Erika McEntarfer as BLS commissioner on Aug. 1, claiming the data in a jobs report released earlier that day was “rigged.”
BLS publishes two key sets of workplace safety data each year: the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in November and the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries in December.
In an Oct. 14 letter addressed to the president, the group asserts that BLS data “influences major economic and policy decisions for everyone from government agencies to individual households.”
It continues: “Many businesses and organizations in the private and public sectors depend on BLS data to inform their strategic decisions impacting their future success. BLS’ safety-related data is no exception. BLS must operate independently of political influence so the public and market continue to trust in the vital metrics BLS generates.”
Along with NSC, organizations that signed the letter include the American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Society of Safety Professionals, Board of Certified Safety Professionals and International Safety Equipment Association.
“Credible and accurate safety and health data from the federal government is essential to safeguarding lives, guiding policy and fostering a culture of prevention across the nation,” the group writes. “This data forms the backbone of evidence-based decision-making, enabling stakeholders to identify risks; allocate resources effectively; and implement targeted interventions that reduce injuries, illnesses and fatalities.”
Copies of the letter were sent to Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer and the top Republicans and Democrats on the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee and the House Education and Workforce Committee.
At McCraren Compliance, we offer a variety of safety training programs to help reduce the risk of accidents. Take a moment to check out our class calendar and see how our training and consulting services can support your safety goals.
Original article published by Safety+Health an NSC publication