Senate May Overturn Final OSHA Ruling

March 2, 2001
Senate Republicans intend to launch a hurry-up attempt next week to overturn Clinton administration rules aimed at protecting against workplace injuries caused by repetitive motion, according to lobbyists and GOP officials. The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) is one of several trucking industry-related associations that have filed suit against the final rule, saying the trucking industry should be

Senate Republicans intend to launch a hurry-up attempt next week to overturn Clinton administration rules aimed at protecting against workplace injuries caused by repetitive motion, according to lobbyists and GOP officials.

The American Trucking Assns. (ATA) is one of several trucking industry-related associations that have filed suit against the final rule, saying the trucking industry should be exempt.

According to ATA, the Senate is expected to review the program under the Congressional Responsibility Act and possibly amend the program for the first time. When the rules were released last year, ATA said the program, which it calls "vague, unclear and logically flawed," acts in a manner that is arbitrary and is not supported by substantial evidence "by failing to conduct its economic and significant risk calculations on an industry-by-industry basis."

ATA challenged the agency's ability to apply the regulations to the trucking industry, saying OSHA lacks legal authority to apply its safety standard to an industry that is already regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

OSHA's ergonomics rule focuses on prevention of musculoskeletal disorders of the upper extremities, back and lower extremities.

About the Author

Tim Parry

Tim Parry is a former FleetOwner editor. 

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