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Ergonomics—that problematic science of how to adapt working conditions to suit individual workers—will be the subject of a hearing on work-related injuries July 24 in Los Angeles when Labor Secretary Elaine Chao comes to town.

It will be the last of three hearings, which begin July 16 in Washington, DC, regarded as an initial step to effect a Bush administration policy to protect workers through employer cooperation.

Still up for interpretation is a common definition of injuries caused by repetitive motion, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, and stress.

Chao has been under pressure since the new administration took over to promulgate policy under her purview as Labor secretary. Among issues are complaints that there is insufficient evidence to justify stringent regulations that were ordered late in the Clinton administration.

Chao has pledged "a comprehensive review" to find consensus as the centerpiece of the three hearings (the second will be held July 20 in Chicago).

Meanwhile, congressional lawmakers have been antsy, introducing several bills that would require Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to issue a final rule within two years. Conservatives, Labor and the White House have objected to such a timetable.