Retired OSHA Construction Director Dean McKenzie Passes Away

Dean McKenzie, retired director of the OSHA’s Directorate of Construction, passed away on November 4, 2018, after a yearlong battle with cancer. Working as a project manager for several construction companies in the Denver, Colo., area when he was offered a position with OSHA, McKenzie rose swiftly through the agency ranks to lead the Directorate of Construction. He embraced the position, and cherished every day he worked there, according to his obituary.
 
McKenzie’s career in construction spanned more than 40 years. He served as director of OSHA’s Office of Construction Services before being named the deputy director in 2013, and director of the Directorate of Construction in late 2016.

During his tenure with OSHA, he addressed fatalities in the communication tower industry; built a strong relationship with the Advisory Committee on Occupational Safety and Health; and took a lead role in the Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction campaign. Tom Underhill, Executive Director said McKenzie also worked closely with SEAA on safety issues related to structural steel construction. “SEAA viewed McKenzie as a partner. He was was willing to bridge the gap from SEAA and OSHA. A great man has gone to heaven,” said Dave Schulz, of Schulz Iron Works, Raleigh, N.C., President of SEAA.
 
Ed Valencia, corporate safety director for MEMCO and former chairman of the SEAA Safety Committee said McKenzie will remembered as a great friend to our industry and a great personal friend. “Dean had a passion for employee safety but we also shared a special interest in steel erection and fall protection. He always answered his phone to discuss safety and was open-minded and very pro-active. I know Dean is looking down on us all 100% tied off with a great big smile,” said Valencia.