NFIB

Eyes on Ergo Effort
03/ 29/ 2002

NFIB members and federal public policy staff have weighed in with formal comments to OSHA on developing a new ergonomic policy.

Congress and President Bush repealed the Clinton administration's costly and intrusive ergonomic rule early this year. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao said OSHA wants public input to frame a policy with prevention and sound science.

In written comments, Brian Landon of Pennsylvania, Lloyd Falconer of Illinois and Manuel Cosme of California indicated that a broad ergonomics regulation is not needed by small businesses because ergo injuries are already on the decline (by 24 percent from 1994-1998 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics).

NFIB reported that small business supports OSHA's pursuit of a voluntary ergonomics program in lieu of mandatory regulation.

Where it stands: OSHA will unveil its plan for ergonomic policy development this fall.

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