OSHA Administrator John Henshaw announced on December 8, 2004, his intent to resign from the agency at the end of the year.
According to a press statement released by Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announcing Henshaw’s decision, “Henshaw has demonstrated outstanding leadership, great wisdom and sincere concern for the safety and health of America’s workers. John’s efforts have been instrumental in creating safer and more healthful workplaces.”
Henshaw took over the head post at OSHA in early August, 2001, following a reversal of the ergonomics standard by Congress earlier that year. During his tenure, the agency implemented a voluntary compliance program for ergonomics in which the agency developed industry-specific guidelines concerning workplace ergonomics; however, only three industries had guidelines drafted during Henshaw’s reign