Carolina OSHA adopts draft ergonomics rule on July 21, the same day the state legislature passes a measure prohibiting the agency from using any funds from its FY 99, FY 00 or FY 01 budget to implement or enforce the standard. H. 163 creates the Legislative Study Commission on Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders to study the causes, frequency, costs and prevention of MSDs. Another delay tactic initiated by industry groups. Bond offers an amendment to the LHHS appropriations bill which would prohibit OSHA from issuing an ergonomics standard during FY 2000. The amendment is withdrawn after it becomes apparent that Democrats are set to filibuster the amendment.
Business groups oppose the rule and try to get the state legislature to block the standard.
Written comments are taken until Feb. 1, 2000. Public hearings are to be held in February, March and April. The proposed rule will significantly reduce injuries and illnesses, lower workers' compensation costs and improve productivity. More than 1,000 witnesses testified at the nine weeks of public hearings held in Washington, D.C., Chicago and Portland, Oregon. Despite the agreement on this compromise, Republican Congressional leaders, acting at the behest of the business community, override their negotiators and refuse to stand by the agreement.