U.S. Chamber Supports Hearing on Ergonomics

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Chamber of Commerce expressed support for a hearing held today in the Senate Labor Appropriations Subcommittee on the many complex issues surrounding ergonomics in the workplace.

"A reasoned debate on the nature, scope, and causes of ergonomics injuries would be a welcome change," said Randel Johnson, U.S. Chamber vice president for labor policy. "That debate was missing from the Clinton administration's ill-conceived and politically motivated ergonomics regulation, which was appropriately struck down by the Congress last month."

The Chamber — in opposing the previous ergonomics proposal — argued, among other things, that a more careful review of the science was necessary, since the causes of ergonomics injuries are complex and the solutions are uncertain. This hearing is the first serious public examination of ergonomics issues since the Clinton regulation was overturned.

"Clinton's proposal would have done more to line the pockets of consultants than to produce meaningful benefits to American workers," said Johnson. "Unfortunately, the Clinton administration gave short shrift to many of the legitimate questions surrounding ergonomics, resulting in a massive regulation, exemplifying irresponsible government at its worst. However, we look forward to working with Secretary of Labor Chao and others to achieve a fair and balanced approach on the issues."

The U.S. 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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