June 18, 2020
Contact: Office of Communications
Phone: 202-693-1999

Statement by OSHA on the Death of the Honorable Eula Bingham

WASHINGTON, DC – Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Loren Sweatt issued the following statement on the passing of former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Eula Bingham:

"We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Assistant Secretary Eula Bingham. During her tenure from 1977 to 1981, she led a young agency in important new directions by initiating programs such as the "right to know" rule, which gave workers access to their workplace medical and exposure records. She oversaw the development of critical health standards for toxic industrial substances, including cotton dust, lead and benzene.

Her administration also initiated the New Directions Training and Education grant program to educate and train workers and employers in high hazard workplaces.

"Ms. Bingham was a pioneer in many ways, not the least of which was serving as the only female to hold the position of Assistant Secretary for OSHA. Though the field of occupational safety and health has lost a devoted advocate for worker safety and health, her legacy will live on for years to come.

"Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones."

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit www.osha.gov.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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