Soiza to Succeed Silverstein as DOSH Chief
Dr. Michael Silverstein L&Is assistant director for the Division of Occupational Safety and Health announced he will retire at the end of February. Leadership of DOSH will transfer to Anne Soiza currently deputy assistant director for DOSH.
AGC has had much interaction with Silverstein over the years. AGC worked with Michael on many key issues including cranes compressed air abatement on appeal and fall protection said AGC Safety Director Mandi Kime. While we have not always agreed on desired outcomes we appreciate his willingness to consider our views and we feel we have had ample opportunity to present our suggestions.
L&I Director Judy Schurke praised Silversteins work. Under Michaels leadership L&I has been widely recognized for having one of the nation’s premier workplace safety and health programs she said. For Michael preventing workplace injuries and illnesses has meant using every one of the tools provided by statute – regulation enforcement education training and consultation. All of these components of our state’s workplace safety and health program benefited from Michael’s wisdom and attention.
Schurke said Soiza shares Silverstein’s commitment to worker protection and public service.
After 25 years of work for the State of Washington Anne has a thorough understanding of DOSH having worked as an industrial hygiene inspector and then progressing through several managerial positions in DOSH including the statewide manager for enforcement and for training and outreach said Schurke. In 2008 Anne left L&I to serve as director of pipeline safety for the Utilities and Transportation Commission but returned two years later to work with Michael as the deputy assistant director for DOSH. Anne’s professional and managerial experience along with her commitment to public service and to occupational safety and health have prepared her to succeed Michael as assistant director.
Kime said Soiza has been a great asset to the business community who also shares a rich history of collaborative efforts with stakeholders in the industry. We are excited to see her hard work in these areas be rewarded by this appointment Kime said. She has served as a judge for the AGC Build Washington awards for several years and has also leant her expertise to reviving the good work of the Construction Advisory Committee.