The U.S. House of Representatives' Appropriations Committee has temporarily blocked a new ergonomics standard proposed by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

An amendment to the 2001 Labor, Health and Education budget states that "None of the funds made available in this Act may be used by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to promulgate, issue, implement, adminster, or enforce any proposed, temporary, or final standard on ergonomic protection."
The amendment was introduced by Rep. Anne Northup (R-KY)and approved by the full committee. However it may be deleted by the full House at a later date.
The standard would require employers to develop programs aimed at reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders. It would apply to manufacturing and manual handling operations which would likely include dock workers, mechanics and drivers -- particularly those who load and unload freight.
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