Overview
Title
Solicitation of Nominations for Appointment to the Safety and Occupational Health Study Section
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The CDC is looking for people who are really good at keeping workers safe and healthy to join a special team. People who want to join need to be from the U.S., and they can't already work for the government all the time. They need to send their information and a nice letter from someone who knows them by January 31, 2025.
Summary AI
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is looking for nominations for the Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOHSS). This group is made up of 20 experts in areas like occupational safety, nursing, and psychology. People interested in joining must send their nominations—either by mail or email—by January 31, 2025. Nominees must be U.S. citizens, not full-time government employees, and submit a resume and recommendation letter from someone outside HHS. Selected members will serve terms of up to four years.
Abstract
In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is seeking nominations for membership on the Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOHSS). SOHSS consists of 20 experts in fields associated with occupational medicine and nursing, industrial hygiene, occupational safety and engineering, toxicology, chemistry, safety and health education, ergonomics, epidemiology, economic science, psychology, pulmonary pathology/physiology, and social science.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document is a notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), published in the Federal Register. It is seeking nominations for membership in the Safety and Occupational Health Study Section (SOHSS). This group is composed of 20 experts from various fields related to occupational health and safety, including medicine, nursing, psychology, and other relevant disciplines. Interested parties must submit their nominations by January 31, 2025. Nominees should include their curriculum vitae and a recommendation letter from someone not employed by an HHS agency. Members selected will serve terms of up to four years.
General Summary of the Document
The notice is part of the government's effort to fill 20 expert positions in the SOHSS, which is focused on issues related to occupational health and safety. The document outlines the process for nominating qualified individuals and provides details regarding the requirements and qualifications expected from potential candidates. The positions are voluntary in nature, but members are recognized as Special Government Employees, which mandates specific legal and ethical obligations.
Significant Issues or Concerns
A notable aspect of the document is its emphasis on diverse representation among its members, guided by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) policy. The policy ensures that appointments are made without discrimination on a range of personal and demographic factors. However, this raises the challenge of achieving true diversity and inclusivity while still selecting candidates based on merit and expertise in their respective fields. Furthermore, the requirement for financial disclosure reports could be seen as invasive by some, which might deter potential nominees.
Impact on the Public Broadly
For the general public, the establishment of such a committee can lead to the development of more comprehensive and safer occupational health and safety standards. The work of the SOHSS can indirectly benefit workers across various industries by influencing policy that improves workplace safety conditions, thus potentially reducing workplace injuries and associated healthcare costs.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For those within the occupational safety and health community, this presents an opportunity to influence national policy actively. Professionals in fields such as occupational medicine, nursing, and psychology, among others, can bring their expertise to the national stage, potentially leading to advancements in each of these sectors. However, stakeholders who are full-time government employees or find the nomination requirements burdensome might find participation prohibitive. Organizations recommending candidates may benefit from an increased influence on policies should their nominees be selected, which may help align broader goals within those organizations with federal safety and health standards.
In summary, the solicitation for nominations to the SOHSS represents an ongoing and proactive approach to improving workplace safety and health standards. While there are hurdles for nominees in terms of requirements and expectations, the potential positive impact on occupational safety policy and practices could be significant.