Ergonomics Plan Temporarily Postponed

The Department of Labor has announced that it will temporarily postpone the announcement of a plan of action on ergonomics. The announcement, which was expected in October, will be made later in autumn 2001. Members of the department's Occupational Health and Safety Administration have been heavily involved in rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center and the Pentagon recently, which has prevented the department from devoting full attention to this issue. In July, the department conducted three forums in Virginia, Illinois, and California to solicit public comment on ergonomics. Witness testimony and written comments are under review.