Heather MacDougall, J.D., CSP, has a unique background in workplace health and safety. She currently counsels companies on workplace safety and health matters, including before the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); risk reduction; and continual improvement of safety management systems. After being twice unanimously confirmed by voice vote in the Senate to serve on OSHRC for five years, as both Commissioner, following President Barack Obama’s nomination, and Chairman, following President Donald Trump’s nomination, Heather joined Amazon as its Vice President, Worldwide Workplace Health and Safety. In this role, she oversaw Amazon’s health and safety initiatives at a crucial time—the height of the COVID-19 pandemic alongside significant workforce growth. At Amazon, Heather achieved significant safety improvements at facilities and in its transportation network through a safety management system that assessed and reduced risk, deployed programs highlighting technology, utilized data and analytic insights to enhance decision-making; and engaged with and developed safety competencies of managers, employees, and partners. Heather also advises on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. Her experience with congressional oversight and regulation while leading a federal agency, serving as the senior safety executive of a large corporation, and being a trusted legal advisor to employers provides unique perspectives on health and safety matters and the role of Capitol Hill, other government entities, and stakeholders. She received her law degree at Marquette University and a BA from the University of Wisconsin.
ASSP is rooted in its dedicated volunteers, and I want to serve that tradition and its mission. I have contributed to the OSH profession throughout my career. These experiences will serve me well if elected. My career has spanned working as a lawyer focused on workplace health and safety, serving as the Chairman of the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC), and serving as the chief safety officer at Amazon. In each, I have been at the forefront of advancing workplace health and safety, engaging in the development of its professionals, and educating and advocating for the professional community. As Chair of OSHRC, I directed its operations including budgetary, administration, HR, and IT. In addition, I respected the rule of law and issued quality decisions for the regulated community. In addition, I demonstrated fidelity to the mission of the agency; valued openness, transparency, and stakeholder engagement; led responsible stewardship of Federal resources; and invested in and valued the agency’s human capital. At Amazon, as VP, Workplace Health and Safety, I led a team of over 8,500 professionals, while advocating for their recognition as critical partners with Operations. I cultivated a culture of safety excellence through innovative programs to develop safety competencies of managers and employees, and we pioneered new technologies. For safety professionals and ASSP, as the guardians of workplace safety, we not only face an ever-changing landscape but one changing at a speed greater than ever before. We must ensure that we stay ahead of the latest challenges in order to keep workers safe from harm and look for opportunities to make a difference in the lives of working people. In demonstrating its understanding of the challenges, ASSP will continue to be a trusted advisor. I want to support ASSP to make people’s lives better and safer.