Although AWPA reported in the last issue of WireLine on the availability
of a detailed report on how companies could comply with the far-reaching
OSHA Ergonomics rule, events unfolded last month that surprised us all!
Using a never-before tested legislative weapon, the US House of Representatives
and Senate both approved the use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA)
to repeal the recently promulgated OSHA Ergonomics Rule. On March 20, the
President signed the resolution into law. The CRA gives Congress the authority
to rescind regulations that are less than 60 days old, and bars federal
agencies from issuing similar regulations unless Congress specifically
approves them.
The Senate voted 56-44 to repeal the ergonomics rule; the House followed
suit the next day by a vote of 223-206. Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, cognizant
of the labor vote, has, however, indicated her interest in pursuing a comprehensive,
though less stringent, approach to ergonomics that might involve issuing
a new rule. It is expected that this time the Administration will work
more closely with the business community.
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