Occupational Safety & Health - Where are we & Where are we going 

Doug Parker, Former Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health

Occupational safety and health has a long and evolving history—from ancient principles like those found in Deuteronomy 22:8 to the landmark passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970, which ushered in the modern era of worker protection in the United States. Over the decades, the field has faced significant challenges, made meaningful progress, and adapted to a changing world of work. 

Join us for a special edition of NEXUS HSE ShopTalk featuring Doug Parker, the immediate past Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. Drawing on his extensive experience as a labor attorney and a senior leader at OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and MSHA, Doug will offer a thoughtful reflection on the current state of occupational safety and health, the evolution of the profession, and what the future may hold for worker protection. 

This session will provide valuable insights for safety professionals, regulators, and anyone committed to advancing health and safety in the workplace. 


Douglas L. Parker served as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health in the Biden administration from 2021 to 2025. He previously served as the chief of the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health. He has also served at the Mine Safety and Health Administration, the US Senate, the Democratic National Committee, the United Mine Workers of America and Mooney, Green, Saindon, Murphy, and Welch, LLP in Washington, DC.