440: David Michaels | Dark Money and the Science of Deception

OSHA Impact

David Michaels sheds light on the significant impact of OSHA in promoting workplace safety. He explains that OSHA, established 50 years ago, has drastically reduced workplace fatalities from 37 to 14 per day, despite a doubling workforce 1. However, he emphasizes that OSHA's role is to ensure employers provide safer, not entirely safe, environments, as it cannot control every workplace hazard 2. Michaels notes that while industries often resist OSHA standards citing cost, these standards ultimately save lives and cost less than anticipated 3.

OSHA's job is to make sure employers provide a safe workplace. OSHA doesn't control workplaces.

--- David Michaels

Despite challenges, OSHA's standards have become integral to workplace safety, often going unnoticed once implemented.

   

EPA Challenges

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) faces significant challenges due to corporate influence, impacting public health standards. David Michaels highlights the case of chlorpyrifos, a pesticide linked to neurological harm in children, which remains in use due to corporate pressure despite scientific evidence of its dangers 4. He explains that industries exploit scientific uncertainty to delay protective measures, arguing that data is always incomplete 5. Michaels stresses the importance of acting on the best available evidence to protect public health rather than waiting for perfect data.

If it looks like something could be dangerous, you don't want to say, "Well, let's wait 15 years to figure out if this really kills a lot of the people."

--- David Michaels

This approach is crucial to prevent harm, especially when corporate interests are at play.

   

Safety Oversight

Rebuilding safety oversight systems is essential for ensuring public safety and corporate accountability. David Michaels discusses the Boeing 737 MAX disaster, where inadequate oversight led to tragic crashes, highlighting the need for independent safety checks 6. He argues that strong government authority is necessary to counteract corporate tendencies to cut corners under competitive pressure. Michaels sees the transition to new administrations as an opportunity to strengthen these systems, ensuring they protect workers and the public effectively.

Independent, strong safety oversight would have saved 350 lives and protected the corporation and all those jobs as well.

--- David Michaels

Such reforms are vital for preventing future tragedies and maintaining trust in safety regulations.