Labor to develop guidelines to cut injuries on job

WASHINGTON -- As part of a new Labor Department policy, businesses will be encouraged but not forced to make workplace changes aimed at reducing repetitive-stress injuries.

Labor unions had pushed to restore tougher Clinton-era regulations that Congress, then controlled by Republicans, repealed last year after a bitter legislative battle.

Friday's announcement was a win for businesses that have lobbied hard against regulations, arguing that there is not enough scientific evidence to justify government-imposed rules.

"The Bush administration has rightfully put science ahead of politics" by pursuing a voluntary approach, said Randy Johnson, U.S. Chamber of Commerce vice president for labor policy.