Failure of Leadership at Chemical Safety Board Puts Public at Risk

Statement

House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) today released a joint staff report titled, Whistleblower Reprisal and Management Failures at the U.S. Chemical Safety Board.

Chairman Smith: "Failure of leadership at the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has led to infighting, secret agendas and retaliatory personnel policies. These problems created a toxic work environment that resulted in the loss of a significant number of senior investigators. Consequently, CSB has conducted fewer investigations, which has negatively impacted its mission to protect public safety. I will continue to work with Chairman Issa to ensure whistleblower protection is a priority at CSB so employees can raise concerns without fear of bullying or retaliation."

Chairman Issa: "Rather than addressing experienced investigators' concerns about agency mismanagement, Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board leadership has stifled internal debate and retaliated against agency whistleblowers. Mismanagement under the current CSB leadership has created a hostile work environment, distracting the Board from fulfilling its core mission to investigate industrial accidents and issue incident safety reports in a timely manner. Real reform is needed at the CSB to restore collegiality, staff morale, and the integrity of the agency."

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