Catherwood LibraryILR School

Having successfully lobbied for the elimination of enforceable ergonomics standards for the workplace shortly after president Bush took office, business groups are now complaining that even toothless voluntary standards that have taken their place are too much (see WIT’s for April 5, and April 19, 2002). Proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration late this summer, guidelines aimed at reducing injuries in the nursing-home industry where care-takers are often hurt lifting and helping residents, have drawn a storm of criticism as tomorrow’s deadline for filing comments on them draws near. Although the guidelines unequivocally state that they apply only to nursing homes, and are not legally binding, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Health Care Association have complained that they are not vague enough, may lead to guidelines in other sectors, and make too many suggestions.