Workplace ergonomics rules repealed

OLYMPIA -- Washington state's sweeping workplace ergonomics rules - which survived lawsuits and a multiyear assault in the Legislature - succumbed to a million-dollar initiative campaign.

Voters Tuesday approved Initiative 841, repealing rules aimed at protecting workers from injuries caused by heavy lifting, repetitive motion and awkward working positions in their jobs.

With more than half of the expected vote counted, I-841 was drawing 53 percent support.