Ergonomics Regulation Will Offer No Relief

Thank you for a fine article detailing the wish list known as “ergonomic devices” (“I Compute, Ergo I Ache,” Nov. 11). Perhaps you could follow up with an article explaining the insanity of thrusting an “ergonomic regulation” on California’s business community that has the same chance of success as these slickly designed but poorly performing keyboards, etc.

The article says scientific research on the devices is inconclusive, and a leading researcher says they don’t seem to be making any difference. Why? Because doctors and scientists can’t tell us what causes repetitive motion injuries, let alone how to cure them.

Despite this acknowledged lack of knowledge, the state is about to impose regulations that a recent economic study indicated would cost businesses $10 billion and eliminate up to 12,000 jobs. All that without any guarantee that even one worker will find relief!

Is it any wonder that businesses think bureaucrats are a pain in the neck?

AL LUNDEEN

Los Angeles