WASHINGTON, D.C. - The White House recently announced the nomination of John Henshaw as assistant labor secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, an agency that sets and enforces workplace safety and health standards. Henshaw is currently director of environment, safety and health for Astaris LLC of St. Louis, which makes phosphorus chemicals, phosphoric acid and phosphate salt. "It's refreshing that they've actually picked someone with a background in the field and some stature," said Bill Borwegan, occupational health and safety director for the Service Employees International Union.

Some officials have praised Henshaw's health and safety experience but questioned how much authority he will have. "John is a competent and widely respected safety and health professional who's got a lot of experience in the field," said Peg Seminario, AFL-CIO health and safety director. "The question we have, however, is what he actually will be allowed to do to protect worker safety and health given the Bush administration's track record on these issues to date."

If confirmed by the Senate, Henshaw will be leading OSHA in a new direction outlined by Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, who has said the agency's approach will be "based on cooperation and prevention rather than the antiquated adversarial approach of years past."