Ergonomics Repeal Ready for D.C. Ballot
The Building Industry Association of Washington obtained enough signatures to qualify an initiative to repeal the state's workplace-ergonomics rules for the November ballot. The ergonomics rules issued by the Department of Labor and Industries in 2000, attempt to reduce worker injuries caused by repetitive motion and awkward working positions. Proponents of the rules argue that they would reduce worker injuries, saving millions of dollars in lost wages and productivity. The builders' association said that the regulations were too expensive and would cause jobs to be eliminated.
See The New York Times, August 6, 2003