Dr. Rafael Moure-Eraso and Mark Griffon were both confirmed for their positions on the US Chemical Safety Board on June 24th. They had been nominated by President Obama on March 22nd, discharged by the Senate Environment and Public Works committee on June 17, confirmed by the Senate on June 23, and appointed by Obama on June 24th. John Bresland, the former chairman, said (in the CSB press release), "I greatly look forward to working with the new appointees; their diverse backgrounds and deep dedication to workplace safety will serve as an invaluable resource for the board as we enter a time of profound challenge and opportunity.”
Both men are exceptionally suited for their new appointments. Moure-Eraso has been involved in workplace issues for more than thirty years and is a certified industrial hygienist. He has most recently served as the Head and Chair of the Department of Work Environment at UMass Lowell and holds a bachelor's in chemical energy from the University of Pittsburg, a masters in chemical engineering from Bucknell, and a PhD in environmental health-industrial engineering from the University of Cincinnati.
Griffon has also amassed a considerable amount of valuable experience, with 18 years as a consultant in the environmental and occupational health fields. He is also a member of the Federal Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health and holds a bachelors in chemistry from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and a masters in radiological sciences from the University of Massachusetts.
We're very excited for the work these two will do in the coming years on the Chemical Safety Board. With their backgrounds in protecting the rights of workers, they will undoubtedly be staunch advocates for the safety of those workers that are surrounded by dangerous chemicals on a daily basis.
Submitted by Andrew Fatato.