[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S2936]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S ERGONOMICS ANNOUNCEMENT

  Mr. DASCHLE. Madam President, since President Bush signed into law a 
provision to overturn the ergonomics rule, over 1.8 million workers 
have suffered ergonomic injuries. At that time Secretary Chao promised 
``to pursue a comprehensive approach to ergo-nomics.'' However, now 
more than a year later, the Department of Labor has unveiled a plan 
that ultimately falls short of the substantive protections needed to 
protect America's workers.
  In response, Senator John Breaux and others have introduced a bill 
that would require that the Department of Labor promulgate a new rule 
on ergonomics within 2 years.
  I am deeply concerned that the administration continues to build on 
its record of putting special interests above working Americans. I 
believe that Senator Breaux's bill is an important measure that 
clarifies that workers deserve real protections, not more studies and 
voluntary guidelines.
  Unfortunately, the administration's late announcement fails to 
provide workers adequate protections. The administration's plan states 
an ``intent'' to develop voluntary guidelines for selected industries. 
Senator Breaux's bill will ensure that the administration provides real 
protections and not hollow promises.

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