Ergonomics Fight Threatens Labor Spending Bill

Aug. 9, 2000
Congress has not passed the Labor Department's appropriation bill\r\nyet, but it now appears likely that OSHA will get the $44.4 million\r\nincrease President Clinton requested for its fiscal year 2001 budget.

Congress has not passed the Labor Department''s appropriation bill yet, but it now appears likely that OSHA will get the $44.4 million increase President Clinton requested for its fiscal year 2001 budget.

Nevertheless, because of an ergonomics rider, a big fight is looming over the entire $106 billion Labor, Education, and Health and Human Services spending bill, according to the chairman of the appropriations subcommittee drafting the measure.

Sen. Arlen Specter announced at a July 28 news conference held with Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, that the House-Senate Republican Conference had agreed on funding for the entire measure.

Just like last year, the House''s lower OSHA budget figures were scrapped during conference negotiations with the Senate. Conferees chose instead to adopt the Senate''s more generous figure, which matches the President''s $426 million request, an 11.6 percent increase over the current fiscal year.

Specter admitted that some disagreements remain with the Democrats, but added, "we have established a baseline which Senator Harkin and I think can form the basis for ultimate agreement when we return after Labor Day."

Harkin appeared less optimistic. He praised Specter for his willingness to work with Democrats on the bill, and said good progress had been made at narrowing differences.

The bill includes a rider blocking the expenditure of any money on OSHA''s ergonomics proposal, and Harkin said this provision and two others were "unacceptable" to him, to many other senators, and to the President.

"We need to drop these provisions," he said.

It is now policy disputes, rather than differences over spending, that will assume center stage when lawmakers return from the August recess and try to complete work on the appropriations bill.

Despite their accommodation to the President''s spending requests, Republicans did not budge on ergonomics, retaining the rider after heavy lobbying by business groups. President Clinton has threatened to veto the appropriations bill if it carries an anti-ergonomics rider.

Even the normally bi-partisan Specter predicted a tough fight over OSHA''s proposed standard this fall.

"We''re going to have a battle royal over ergonomics," he predicted. "I do not know how that''s going to be resolved."

by James Nash

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 IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics 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.

Sponsored Recommendations

March 13, 2025
Learn about the main differences between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001, and how ISO 45001 takes a proactive approach to prevent work-related incidents. Find out why businesses should...
March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...
March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.
March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!