Not surprisingly, this highly divisive question finds safety and health pros fairly evenly divided: 52% want OSHA to write a rule, and 48% do not, according to a survey of 550 pros conducted in September by Industrial Safety & Hygiene News.

Strongest backing for a standard comes from pros in large facilities with more than 1,000 employees, where 60% favor a rule.

Opposition is strongest in mid-size operations with 101-500 employees, where 55% oppose formal OSHA action.

Individuals who handle safety on a part-time basis in industry are more likely to be against an ergo rule: 53% don't want to see one.