It isn't very often there's a story when something doesn't happen. But the decision by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) last month not to make any changes to its requirements for the use of operator restraints on lift trucks is a major story - if not a major victory for the Industrial Truck Association (ITA).

Late last year, OSHA announced that it might ease the 1995 requirement, which ITA had championed for some time, under four conditions: if the warehouse is clean; the truck is well maintained; the truck is used within its limits and; the driver is well trained.

ITA immediately protested the move on safety grounds. Interestingly enough, OSHA's proposal was prompted by automakers that claimed seatbelts hurt productivity. In fact, ITA called the change "an awful idea," and made opposition to it the group's number one goal for 2003. "I am pleased to say that ITA has achieved it," says Bill Montwieler, executive director of the association.