GAO report says Chemical Safety Board has 'continuing problems'

Sep 09, 2008

Despite its generally positive reputation among stakeholders, the Chemical Safety Board needs to address "continuing problems" with governance and management, according to an Aug. 22 report (.pdf file) from the Government Accountability Office.

GAO's study found CSB, which began operating in 1998 as an independent agency under the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, has not fully addressed key recommendations GAO made in 2000. Among them: investigate more accidents, improve the quality of accident data, resolve human capital problems, and ensure management accountability and continuity.

GAO said the board is investigating "far fewer accidents than is required by law" and "missing opportunities to investigate more accidents and possibly prevent fatalities, serious injuries and substantial property damage in the future."

In response, CSB said it disagreed that it is failing to meet its statutory obligations regarding investigations, but would work with Congress to clarify the issue. The board also disagreed with GAO's recommendation that Congress give EPA's Office of Inspector General permanent oversight over CSB.