President Trump has nominated David Keeling to lead the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), but his past at UPS raises eyebrows. For years, UPS delivery drivers clamored for air-conditioned trucks as heat waves soared, but the company resisted.
Now, Keeling's nomination comes at a critical time when OSHA is considering a new rule to protect approximately 36 million workers from extreme heat. The proposed regulation would require sectors like agriculture and construction to provide water and rest breaks during high temperatures.
The support for Keeling is mixed. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents many UPS employees and has endorsed Trump, believes his extensive health and safety experience makes him a good fit. "He’s someone we feel we are able to have a conversation with," stated Teamsters spokeswoman Kara Deniz.
However, some labor advocates and former UPS drivers present a different view. They allege Keeling failed to take action during his tenure to mitigate heat risks, including ignoring demands for air conditioning and cooling gear. UPS claimed air conditioning was impractical due to frequent stops, leaving drivers frustrated and exposed to dangerous working conditions.
