The forums, organized by the Department of Labor to answer questions concerning ergonomics and the merits of having a federal standard, have been sharply criticized as being both repetitive and exclusive.

The repealed OSHA Ergonomics Program Standard included a section naming some of the analysis tools and methods available for the evaluation of MSD risk factors. Included in this list were proposed TLVs for hand activity.

A new publication highlights the main priorities identified at a recent European workshop on the development of a new Community Strategy on Safety and Health at Work.

The Labor Department will propose to delay for one year the record keeping rule's definition of "musculoskeletal disorder" (MSD) and the requirement that employers check the MSD column on the OSHA Log.

Whether you are in favor of, or opposed to ergonomics regulations, share your opinion by speaking at the forums or submitting written comments via the Internet.

According to the influential CATO Institute, Congress should shut down OSHA or, failing that, reduce OSHA's enforcement budget, bar OSHA ergonomics regulations, and repeal OSHA's so-called general duty clause.