Evidently most of the readers do not work in the Federal Government.  Budgets increasing or decreasing is a regular reoccurrence for the life of a federal worker – our budgets and specific priorities change every year but the mission continues.  I work in the VHA and our budgets were near an all-time low in the last 90’s and then the winds of Congress changed and budgets/programs increased.  For those focusing on the safety side - OSHA budgets have not been all that generous over the last 8 years but that will ebb/flow just like all the other budgets.  Now if the order came to eliminate an organization like the EPA, I would be concerned – but a change in priorities/focus is normal business in the Federal Government.  One thing that is always certain in the Federal Government is “change”. 

Thought – since when does the private sector have to wait and only follow Federal/state regulations.  Private sector may always be more protective/stringent simply through their internal policy change.  So if greenhouse gas, product stewardship, or any other topic is a concern for the organization – they can make it happen.  Maybe we need to become agents of change in our organizations for best practice instead of waiting for the government to mandate it.  I hear much talk about “all the science in recent posts” – well, use that science to convince your CEO, Boards of Director, or whoever is in charge to make the change. 

Thoughts from a  person who has worked in private, municipal and federal sectors. 

Jon Wardecke, CIH, HEM

Industrial Hygiene/Safety Manager

Clement J Zablocki VA Medical Center  
5000 West National Avenue (00S), Milwaukee, WI 53295
(414) 384-2000 X42934

Good news and bad news on this front today.  First the good news:

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