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Cal-OSHA Rejects Ergonomics Petition

July 26, 2001

The California Occupational Safety and Health Standards Board voted unanimously to reject a petition by the AFL-CIO to amend California's ergonomics rules to incorporate the former federal ergonomics regulations.

EHS Today Staff

Stating that the rescinded federal ergonomics standard does not provide a "sound model" for improving California's regulation, both the Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH) and the Cal-OSHA Standards Board's staff recommended that the board deny a petition by the California Labor Federation to adopt the now-defunct federal rule in this state.

"The board recognized that it is too early for California to take any actions," said Mark Webb, representing the American Insurance Association in its opposition to the federal standards. "It is premature for California to start the rule making process before federal officials complete their national forums and decide how they will address the ergonomics issue."

The Department of Labor concluded this week, in California, the last of three hearings on whether or not to have a federal regulation on ergonomics.

Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao set herself a September deadline to identify the final course of action on the issue.

Edited by Virginia Foran

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor: Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.