Compliance May 1, 2003

Employers, Unions Line Up to Oppose OHSA Ergonomics

January 29, 2001 (PLANSPONSOR.com) - Over thirty lawsuits have been filed to date challenging the controversial Occupational Safety and Health Administration ergonomics standard.
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The lawsuits were filed in various venues. The Judicial Panel on Multi-District Litigation Dec. 1, 2000, selected the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, as the court to consolidate all the lawsuits.

The deadline for filing suit was Jan. 12, according to BNA. The various cases are being consolidated under the lead case, filed Nov. 8, 2000, by the National Association of Manufacturers (National Association of Manufacturers v. OSHA, D.C. Cir., No. 00-1473, filed 11/8/00).

According to OSHA, as of January 25 labor unions had filed six petitions and individual industry challenges tallied 25, although numerous member companies supported several associations.

Petitioners have until February 15 to file statements of issue and docketing statements, according to the agency desk of the D.C. Circuit. A briefing schedule has not yet been issued and it is not expected soon, the court told BNA.

– Nevin Adams                           editors@plansponsor.com

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