House Could Halt Ergo Bill

(Michael James - Transport Topics) Rep. Norwood tells OSHA Administrator John Henshaw that he wants to be fully informed about White House progress on Ergonomics.

WASHINGTON — A key Republican House member said that he will oppose any federal ergonomics legislation mandating that employers implement worker-protection programs to prevent on-the-job injuries.

The decision by the lawmaker all but kills any attempt to move a bill through the Republican-controlled House to a floor vote, industry sources said. Republicans control the House by a 222-to-211 majority.

Rep. Charles Norwood (R-Ga.), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Workforce Protections, said he supports the Bush administration's plan to work with industry and develop voluntary guidelines to prevent injuries from occurring while workers perform certain tasks, such as loading and unloading freight.

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