OSHA Finally Orders Employers to Buy Protective Equipment for Workers

It took an AFL-CIO lawsuit, congressional intervention and an appellate court ruling, but the Bush government's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has finally ordered employers to buy personal protective equipment -- such as hardhats and protective garments -- for workers. The OSHA rule, issued today and taking effect in six months, should cut yearly job injuries by 21,000, and save millions of dollars. "We're glad the rule has finally been issued," said AFL-CIO Occupational Safety and Health Director Peg Seminario.  "We'll be looking at it in detail to see if it provides the level of protection required by law," she added. - reported by Press Associates, Inc.