United States Chamber of Commerce Condemns Ergonomics Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce condemned the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's far-reaching ergonomics rule proposed today as vague, scientifically unsound and a politically motivated end-run around Congress.

"OSHA has written a blank check on the backs of American workers and their employers," said Randel Johnson, the Chamber's vice president for labor policy. "This rule would cost businesses billions of dollars, yet the benefits – if any – are uncertain.

"Proposing costly and far-reaching regulation before the scientific studies are completed shows how little sound science matters to this Administration," said Johnson.

The National Academy of Sciences is expected to release the results of their congressionally funded ergonomics study in about a year. The House recently passed legislation blocking OSHA action until the NAS study was completed, but the Senate adjourned before passing similar legislation.

The Chamber has been a vocal critic of OSHA's proposed regulations, which would force businesses to become experts on ergonomics, a field in which there is little scientific consensus, said Johnson. The medical community, workplace safety experts and scientists have repeatedly questioned the need for ergonomics regulation, according to the Chamber.

"If OSHA persists in pushing forward this ill-considered regulation, then we will meet them in court," said Johnson. "The rule does not meet the standards required for new regulation under the Occupational Safety and Health Act."

The United States Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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