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 "Ergonomics Repeal Ready for D.C. Ballot", The New York Times, August 6, 2003