On November 4th voters in Washington will be asked whether the state's latest set of rules regulating the workplace, called the ergonomics rule, should be repealed. Unlike past ballot measures, Initiative 841 does not seek to make new law. Its goal is to reverse a regulatory action taken by a state agency without the specific direction of the legislature. This is the only statewide initiative that will appear on the ballot this year.

Opponents of I-841 say the ergonomics rule will reduce workplace injuries and save money through lower workers' compensation claims. I-841 supporters argue the rule is unnecessary and that its complexity and cost will contribute to job losses and will damage Washington's business climate.

Ergonomics regulations were issued for all states during the Clinton Administration, but Congress repealed them in 2001. Washington and California are the only states to impose their own ergonomics regulations.

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