Five key Senators have sent a letter to Secretary of Labor Elaine Y. Chao (pictured urging her to open a new rulemaking to address the musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace. In March 2001, Congress overturned the controversial ergonomics standard issued by the Clinton Administration and the Department of Labor (DOL) has been considering the next steps to take since then.
Democrats, backed by organized labor, have becoming increasingly frustrated by the lack of movement from DOL and are pushing for new rulemaking on the subject. Senators Ted Kennedy (D-MA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Arlen Specter (R-PA), Joseph Lieberman (D-CT), and Paul Wellstone (D-MN) signed the letter to Secretary Chao.
Secretary Chao has indicated that DOL is committed to addressing the ergonomics issue in a reasonable manner, and she has held a number of forums across the country to discuss possible solutions. DOL had expected to announce a plan sometime last fall, but resources within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were diverted to deal with the aftermath of the September 11th terrorist attacks.
The Senators’ letter upbraided Secretary Chao for not acting on the ergonomics issue and requests a briefing on the matter as soon as possible.
