Search

Two New Board Members Appointed to CSB

Posted on 12/13/2021 by Roseanne Bottone

On December 10, 2021, the Senate confirmed two new Board Members to the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB), Stephen Owens and Sylvia Johnson. CSB is an independent Federal agency that investigates industrial chemical accidents to identify root causes and recommend safety improvements.
 
The CSB Chairperson, Katherine A. Lemos “looks forward to working with them to build a strong and diverse Board, adding to the skilled technical resources and community advocacy voices as we perform our valuable work.”

CSB, which is supposed to have five members, has been operating as a "quorum of one" since May 2020. No new board members were appointed during the previous administration. 

What Do CSB Board Members Do? 

Board Members serve five-year terms and hold extensive responsibilities, including:
  • Act as spokespersons at accident sites;
  • Conduct community meetings;
  • Hold hearings and boards of inquiry during accident investigations;
  • Participate in conferences, committees, and safety forums;
  • Meet with leaders of other federal agencies;
  • Contribute written works to scholarly journals and trade publications; and
  • Present papers at professional meetings and other venues.
 The CSB investigative staff includes specialists in the private and public sectors with diverse knowledge and experience in the chemical and mechanical engineering fields and safety management. They conduct the day-to-day operations regarding investigations and prepare draft reports.
 
The CSB does not issue notices of violations or impose fines and penalties. Rather, the agency makes safety recommendations based on their accident investigations to potentially affected facilities; industry organizations and associations; labor groups; and to regulatory agencies like OSHA and EPA.

Meet the New CSB Board Members 

Stephen Owens, Attorney at law, has been recognized by the National Law Journal as an “Energy and Environmental Trailblazer.” Owens served as US EPA Assistant Administrator, Office of Chemical Safety & Pollution Prevention during the Obama administration.

Owens managed programs pertaining to pesticides and industrial chemicals regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA); the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA), and other regulatory programs. 
 
Sylvia E. Johnson, PhD. is currently a lobbyist for the National Education Association. Previously, lobbied for the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.

Johnson was an occupational epidemiologist in the United Auto Workers’ health and safety department. During the Senate hearings she said, “I worked with labor and management. I have investigated chemical accidents. I have trained workers on how to remain safe from chemicals, how to safely store chemicals.”
 
 

 

Tags: chemicals, contingency planning, CSB

Find a Post

Compliance Archives

Lion - Quotes

Attending Lion Technology classes should be mandatory for every facility that ships or stores hazmat.

Genell Drake

Outbound Lead

Lion was very responsive to my initial questions and the website was user friendly.

Michael Britt

Supply Chain Director

The course was very informative and presented in a way that was easily understood and remembered. I would recommend this course.

Jeffrey Tierno

Hazmat Shipping Professional

Lion's training was by far the best online RCRA training I've ever taken. It was challenging and the layout was great!

Paul Harbison

Hazardous Waste Professional

If I need thorough training or updating, I always use Lion. Lion is always the best in both instruction and materials.

Bryce Parker

EHS Manager

Lion is at the top of the industry in compliance training. Course content and structure are updated frequently to make annual re-training enjoyable. I like that Lion has experts that I can contact for 1 year after the training.

Caroline Froning

Plant Chemist

The instructor made the class enjoyable. He presented in a very knowledgeable, personable manner. Best class I've ever attended. Will take one again.

John Nekoloff

Environmental Compliance Manager

The instructor was very patient and engaging - willing to answer and help explain subject matter.

Misty Filipp

Material Control Superintendent

You blew the doors off the competition!

Stephen Bieschke

Facilities Manager

The instructor was very very informative, helpful, understandable and pleasant. This course answered many questions I had, being new to this industry.

Frances Mona

Shipping Manager

Download Our Latest Whitepaper

Use this guide as a quick reference to the most common HAZWOPER questions, and get course recommendations for managers and personnel who are in need of OSHA-required HAZWOPER training.

Latest Whitepaper

By submitting your phone number, you agree to receive recurring marketing and training text messages. Consent to receive text messages is not required for any purchases. Text STOP at any time to cancel. Message and data rates may apply. View our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.