January 11, 2022

Oregon OSHA’s Search For A New Administrator Continues; Lou Savage Named As Interim Administrator

On January 10, 2022, Oregon OSHA announced that it will change directions in its  effort to hire a new Administrator.  The position has remained vacant since October 22, 2021, when the prior Administrator, Michael Wood, resigned to accept a position as Deputy Director of Operations for the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.  Following Mr. Wood’s departure, Oregon OSHA began what it described as a national recruitment effort to hire a new Administrator.

In order to assist with the upcoming legislative session and with finalizing permanent rules regarding heat, wildfire smoke, and large employer vaccination mandates, Lou Savage has agreed to come out of retirement to take on the role of Interim Administrator beginning on January 18, 2022.  Mr. Savage previously served as the acting Director for the Department of Consumer and Business Services as well as the Administrator for the Department’s Insurance and Workers Compensation Divisions.  It is unclear what longer term direction Oregon OSHA will take after its search apparently failed to identify a suitable candidate.

If you are an Employer and have questions and need assistance, please contact the lawyers at Cummins, Goodman, Denley & Vickers at (503) 476-8200.

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