The federal occupational safety and Health Administration has finally issued its long-awaited draft ergonomic standards, but there remains a long way to go before workers will benefit from its use.

Debate on the standards is likely to go beyond the end of the Clinton administration, which means its fate will depend on the 2000 elections.

AFT health and safety coordinator Darryl Alexander said the proposed standard is an important step forward although it is not as strong as it should be. One weakness, she said, is that, except for manufacturing industries, OSHA inspectors would only act after someone has an ergonomic injury. There is no requirement that employers make their workplaces safe beforehand and prevent injuries. But once someone is hurt on the job, the proposed rule provides for real help for the injured employee and strong action to protect others. The rule says the injured person must be removed from the position that led to the injury, monitored for continued symptoms and kept at full pay. Under current law, someone with an ergonomic injury only gets Worker's Compensation, which varies from state to state and is much less than full pay. Also, the new standard says workers must be involved in redesigning the workplace to prevent future injuries.

Businesses have lobbied hard against any OSHA ergonomic rule, and Republican congressional leaders have several times tried to block OSHA from getting involved.

The next step for OSHA is to hold hearings on the proposed standards. Alexander said businesses are certain to argue forcefully and at length against the rules. The AFT is preparing its own presentations that will feature the real-life experience of members.