Ergonomics rule repeal passing in early returns

[TheWebHead]

A bid to repeal Washington's workplace ergonomics rules was apparently passing in early returns Tuesday night.

Initiative 841, the latest bid to repeal the rules aimed at reducing injuries caused by heavy lifting, repetitive motion and awkward work positions, had 52 percent of the vote, with about 17 percent of the state's registered voters weighing in. Fewer than 50 percent of voters were expected to cast ballots in the off-year election.

"We're pretty jovial over here," said Erin Shannon, a spokeswoman for the homebuilders group who spoke from the group's election-night party in Olympia.

...

"Really our efforts were focused in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Thurston counties," said David Groves, a spokesman for the Washington State Labor Council. "Those results are just starting to trickle in."

more...
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/aplocal_story.asp?category=6420&slug=WA+ELN+Ergonomics

up-to-the minute results:
http://vote.wa.gov/results/measures_byco.tpl?m_id=841&category=4



This one really pisses me off. Unless you live in the state, you cannot fathom the amount of advertising the yes corporate money shoved ads down your throat on radio, television, print, and telephone. I've probably heard about 800 ads for voting 'yes', and haven't heard a single no. This thing was a total money driven initiative, and they've managed to brainwash a majority so far, though results in King, Pierce and Snohomish haven't reported many numbers yet, so hopefully it'll swing.

[Liberal Veteran]

1. I voted no on this initiative.

But I never had any doubts that with the kind of campaign run by the "Yes on I-841" that it would end up passing.

All the fearmongering that it would cost jobs just pissed me off.

[flamingyouth]

2. This initiative is crap

Their advertising was *completely* misleading - saying it was paid for by "workers." Bullshit. This was bought and paid for by the building industry. I'm amazed I haven't destroyed my television these past couple of weeks. I so wanted to throw heavy objects at it each time I saw one of these fuckhead ads.

[fifer62]

3. Initiative it's self is NOT crap...ads maybe

Have lurked here for a long time, but could not let this one
go by without responding. We own a small roofing business.
We and our employees wanted this initiative to pass. You
tell me how a roofer can make enough money to feed his family
if he is limited to working 4 hours a day?! Ergonomics rules
limit roofers to being on their knees for only 4 hours a day
and also limit the time they can use a hammer or nail gun
to 4 hours. These rules are nuts. Most of the safety rules
are not a problem and make sense. Wearing a safety harness
for fall protection? Sensible. Requiring that material
be loaded on roof by boom truck that delivers it instead of
allowing the roofers to carry the bundles up the ladder?
Sensible. Trying to put on a roof while standing up after
you have used your 4 hours you are allowed to kneel? And
just how do you install the roofing without a hammer or nail
gun after your 4 hours of "repetitive motion" are used up?
Get real! The ergonomic rules as written just went too far
in some areas. And just so it is clear, we do care about
our employees safety. In fact family members are up on the
roofs working beside employees.

[newyawker99]

4. Hi fifer62!!

Welcome to DU!! :toast:

[w4rma]

5. Thanks for that information and insight! (n/t)

[ScotTissue]

6. I voted YES on this initiative

My family being in the construction business, I know exactly what this kind of regulation can do to businesses. The resolution passed and I am proud of my vote for it.