Congress Voids Ergonomics Rule

ByJohn S. McClenahen President Bush is expected to shortly sign a Congressional Joint Resolution of Disapproval killing the OSHA ergonomics rule that took effect in mid-January. Industry would have had to comply with the sweeping standard, which was designed to reduce repetitive-motion injuries, beginning in mid-October. Manufacturers and other business leaders formed a powerful coalition to help defeat the ergonomics rule using the previously untested Congressional Review Act, and they did not waste any time after yesterday's vote in the House of Representatives bragging about their prowess. Whether the same kind of disciplined coalition can be sustained on tax reduction, education reform, and federal budget priorities remains to be seen, however.