The issue of worker safety and preventing tragedies on the job is at the forefront of all of our minds after the recent Gulf and coal mine tragedies.

I'm outraged that, at this point, in the year 2010, 40 years after the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed, workers still have to be afraid to exercise their rights under the law.

It's extremely important, particularly in refineries, and anywhere where you're dealing with process management problems, for workers to feel protected.

The law doesn't really work unless workers are involved.

I realize that OSHA has no formal oversight role with regard to offshore drilling.

opening statement

The dangerous circumstances that led to this explosion put workers' lives at risk. And this is simply unacceptable.

One of the things that troubles me the most about the Transocean situation are the allegations that safety concerns from workers were ignored or brushed under the rug.

Part of workplace culture is a culture where workers do not have to fear their participation in the health and safety programs.

This tragedy is a stark reminder that energy development, without proper safety and environmental precautions, can be a very dangerous business.

We need to incent that kind of integration at all levels.