If you were the Secretary of the Department of Labor faced with the questions of regulation posed in the benzene case discussed in the chapter, what would you decide? How would you make the decision? How would you explain it to a court reviewing it?

Question

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The Answer is As the Secretary of the Department of Labor, my decision in the benzene case would be guided by the goal of protecting the health and safety of workers while also considering the economic impact on industries.

I would make the decision by thoroughly analyzing all available scientific evidence on the health risks of benzene exposure and consulting with experts in the field. I would also consider the input of affected industries and stakeholders to understand the potential economic implications of any regulation.

In explaining my decision to a court reviewing it, I would emphasize the importance of prioritizing the health and safety of workers. I would present the scientific evidence supporting the need for regulation and demonstrate that the decision was made after careful consideration of all relevant factors, including potential economic impacts. I would also highlight the legal obligation of the Department of Labor to protect workers from known health hazards in the workplace, and show that the decision was in line with this obligation. Ultimately, I would argue that the decision was made in the best interest of workers and was supported by sound scientific and economic reasoning.

If You Were the Secretary of the Department of Labor