WASHINGTON - U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao said today that she welcomes comments from organized labor concerning future action on ergonomics.

"The safety and health of our workforce will always be my top priority, and I will continue to actively seek opinions on how to best handle the complex issue of ergonomic injuries," said Secretary Chao. "Ergonomics injuries are real, and we need to find the most effective way to keep our employees from harm."

"It's especially timely that this week marks the 30th anniversary of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's founding, as well as Workers' Memorial Day, which honors men and women killed on the job. I'm proud that OSHA not only has a long history of championing worker safety, the agency has become much more prevention-focused, promoting partnerships with employers and organizations to reduce injury and illness rates."

Secretary Chao is scheduled to testify about workplace safety before Senator Arlen Specter's Appropriations Subcommittee on Thursday, April 26th.