9/5/08 DMS Secretary South to Chair Florida Public Task Force on Workplace Safety
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, SEPT. 5, 2008
CONTACT: LINDA MCDONALD, (850) 921-5266
~South's entrepreneurial and workforce innovation background are key asset~
TALLAHASSEE - This week Governor Charlie Crist appointed Department of Management Services Secretary Linda H. South as chair of the Florida Public Task Force on Workplace Safety. The 2008 Legislature established this task force to develop findings and issue recommendations on innovative ways the state can ensure that Florida government, at all levels, complies with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.
"As a former business owner and former director for the Agency for Workforce Innovation, Secretary South brings tremendous workplace experience to this task force," said Governor Crist. "Public servants in state, local and municipal government are committed to serving the people of Florida, and as employers, we are committed to keeping workplaces safe so our service continues to meet and exceed taxpayers' expectations."
Fifteen members make up the task force, with the governor, the president of the Senate and the speaker of the House each appointing five members. The task force dissolves upon submission of its report, due by January 1, 2009.
"The task force brings together diverse talent equipped to address workplace safety throughout government in the great state of Florida," said Secretary South. "Keeping our workers safe is a natural extension of what we do at DMS, and this task force will implement the measures necessary to keep those who serve Florida safe on the job."
Other gubernatorial appointees include:
- Marianne Capoziello, Winter Haven, president, Polk Education Association, a representative of organized labor.
- Mark A. Friend, Port Orange, chair of the Department of Applied Aviation Sciences, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and an academic with demonstrated knowledge of pertinent issues related to occupational safety and health.
- Paul Imbrome, Boca Raton, vice president of external affairs, Macy's Florida, representing a statewide business organization.
- Mike Marinan, Longwood, safety and risk control manager, Public Risk Underwriters, a professional whose work focuses on safety, health, and environmental issues.
All are appointed for terms beginning Sept. 4, 2008 and ending Jan. 1, 2009.
OSHA applies to private sector employers, with no authority over state and local government. It encourages states to assume responsibility for occupational safety and health programs under the state's own plan, which must be approved by OSHA. The Florida Public Task Force on Workplace Safety will address issues including, but not limited to: differences in the workplace safety needs of private-sector employers and public-sector employers; the relationship between federal and state activities related to workplace safety; and the effect of public-sector workplace safety and health on the economic development efforts of the state.
Visit www.dms.MyFlorida.com to learn more about the Department of Management Services.
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