Eula Bingham

Eula Bingham

Eula Bingham (1929 – June 13, 2020) was an influential American scientist and administrator, best known for her work in occupational health and safety. She served as the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health under President Jimmy Carter, leading the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) from 1977 to 1981. Bingham's tenure at OSHA was marked by a commitment to reducing workplace hazards and implementing stronger safety standards across various industries.

Early Life and Education

Eula Bingham was born in 1929 in rural Kentucky. She pursued higher education with a focus on biology and chemistry, earning a Bachelor of Science degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Bingham furthered her education by obtaining a Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Cincinnati, where her research concentrated on the physiological effects of chemical exposures in the workplace.

Career

Before her appointment to OSHA, Bingham had an extensive career in academia and research. She was a faculty member at the University of Cincinnati, where she conducted significant research on occupational health hazards, particularly those involving chemical exposures. Her work contributed to the understanding of how workplace chemicals can affect human health and led to the development of safer industrial practices.

As the head of OSHA, Bingham implemented several key regulations aimed at protecting workers from hazardous exposures and improving overall workplace safety. She was instrumental in the establishment of stricter standards for exposure to toxic substances, including lead and asbestos. Bingham's approach to occupational safety emphasized the importance of scientific evidence in policy-making and the need for comprehensive worker training programs.

Legacy

Eula Bingham's contributions to occupational health and safety have had a lasting impact on the field. Her efforts to enforce stricter safety standards and her focus on the health implications of chemical exposures have saved countless lives and improved the working conditions for many. Bingham is remembered as a pioneer in occupational health, advocating for the rights of workers to a safe and healthy workplace.

After leaving OSHA, Bingham continued to work in the field of occupational health, both in academia and through various advisory roles. She remained a vocal advocate for worker safety and health regulations until her passing in 2020.

See Also

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration
• Occupational health psychology
• Industrial hygiene