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Biden Sets the Hill Record Straight on Safety Standard
Last week, we reported that Democratic presidential candidates planned to pursue tough new workplace ergonomics rules if they reach the White House, including reinstating the ergonomics standard President Bush repealed in 2001, shortly after he took office.
The rule was designed to reduce the repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome that strike more than 1 million workers a year.
Based on a story on TheHill.com, we wrote that several candidates supported reviving the Bush-killed rule, while others wanted to pursue a new standard, but that Sen. Joe Biden believed tough enforcement of current laws and adding inspectors at the Occupational Safety and Health Administration could do the job.
Biden tells us that’s not correct. He says:
We need to guarantee American workers the safety they deserve. I believe that all employees should be covered by regulations that ensure a safe working environment and their personal safety on the job. I have been a supporter of OSHA regulations since my early days in the Senate, and time and time again I have voted to extend OSHA regulations and have vigorously opposed efforts to restrict the application of OSHA coverage. I oppose President Bush’s repeal of the OSHA ergonomics mandate and would reinstate ergonomics protections.
In addition, I am a proud co-sponsor of the Protecting America’s Workers Act, which expands OSHA protection and penalties.
Of the current Democratic candidates, the one who moves into 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. will bring a pledge that workers’ health and safety will have a much higher priority than it has been given by the current resident.
Be sure to visit Working Families Vote 2008 to see the candidates’ positions on other important working family issues.
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2 Comments
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Good luck, one of my union brothers teachs such things to staff at our university. He went out of his way to poo-poo the very concept. Said such standards would make nearly all work impossible to do. What message does that send?
Hmmm…at least someone is talking about OSHA and that it needs to be expanded to provide more coverage and protections, but I’m not holding my breath under the current circumstances. OSHA is nothing more than another government bureaucracy, and the people that run it DO NOT want to see change or improvements. This will happen ONLY when we get a union advocate in the White House, and Americans across the board better understand that this is what it is going to take.
PS I’m glad Joe Biden is trying to change things for the better. Good luck.