Labor Nominee Chao Is Noncommittal on Ergonomics

WASHINGTON — Elaine Chao, President Bush’s nominee for secretary of labor, declined to say whether she would enforce, change or revoke recently imposed ergonomics rules, as she was quizzed on the topic at her Senate committee confirmation hearing Jan. 24.

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The controversial regulations, issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration late in the Clinton administration, are strongly opposed by the trucking industry.

OSHA says employers should concentrate on ways to minimize the risk drivers face in bending and lifting as they load freight. Drivers are susceptible to risk from road vibration and even entering and leaving a sleeper, which can be awkward and can result in an injury, according to OSHA.

For the full story, see the Jan. 29 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.