No-Go On Workplace Ergonomics

ByMichael Verespej It's not likely that OSHA will be able to implement its proposed workplace ergonomics rule for at least another year. Both the House and Senate have passed amendments to the Labor, Health and Human Services appropriations bill that would prevent OSHA from using money to enact the rule in 2001. Lawmakers are concerned with the rule's potential conflict with the workers' compensation system, its extreme complexity, and the possibility that it would increase medical costs for the elderly.