U.S. Chamber Welcomes Bush Signature; OSHA Ergo Rule Finished

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce welcomed President Bush's signature repealing the previous administration's "ill-conceived, expensive and unscientific" ergonomics rule. President Bush today signed the Resolution of Disapproval passed by both houses of Congress earlier this month.

"The ergo rule was overbroad and unreasonable, exemplifying irresponsible government at its worst," said Randel Johnson, Chamber vice president for labor policy.

"The actions by congress and the administration to reverse this rule are fully supported by the facts. We look forward to working together with all parties in developing a sound solution to ergonomics issues in the workplace."

The ergonomics rule, issued by the Clinton administration on November 14, 2000, and effective January 16 this year, ignored legitimate scientific debate over the causes of musculoskeletal disorders, was not limited to jobs involving repetitive motions, superseded state worker compensation laws and was so broad and vague that it covered more than 100 million employees by OSHA's own estimates.

The House and the Senate passed a Resolution of Disapproval to overturn the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's ergonomics rule under the Congressional Review Act, which allows Congress to kill regulations within 60 legislative days of final issuance. President Bush's signature is the final step in rescinding the regulation.

"Repeal of the ergonomics regulation is a victory for the Chamber and its member companies," said Johnson. "The rule would have been a gross disservice to workers, employers, and the public at large. Lawyers and consultants would have gotten richer, millions in fees would have changed hands and productive investments put off, but the rule would have provided little or no additional workplace safety."

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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