Senate Joint Resolution 6, which rescinded the original ergonomics rule, and under the

Congressional Review Act, prohibits the agency from issuing a rule that is substantially similar to the former one. OSHA says there are a number of reasons why guidelines are preferable to creating a rule.

In terms of ergonomics, there are a variety of hazards, and combinations of different hazards, which make it difficult to create a rule. In some cases exposure to hazards may not be readily measured, the exposure-response relationship is not well understood, cost and feasibility of

abatement measures may be quite high or even uncertain, and it is very difficult, except in the most general terms, to prescribe remedies for abating such hazards in a single rule.