News Notes: New Fed/OSHA Ergonomics Rules May Be On Hold

The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have blocked funding for new national ergonomics rules intended to reduce repetitive motion injuries in the workplace. The rules, which would affect an estimated 27 million employees whose jobs involve repetitive tasks or manual labor, would impose heavier burdens on employers than existing California standards. The vote prevents Fed/OSHA from implementing the new rules before October 2001. But the ergonimics rules are supported by President Clinton, who could veto the blocking measure passed by the House and Senate.