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The Teamsters Rail Conference opposes a U.S. Department of Labor rule proposed by the Bush Administration that would make it harder for the government to regulate toxic substances and hazardous chemicals that workers are exposed to on the job.

Under the rule, federal agencies would gather and analyze cases of workers’ exposure to hazardous materials on an industry-by-industry basis. Opponents, which include President-Elect Barack Obama, believe the rule would add a step to the lengthy process of developing federal worker health-protection standards.

Supported by railroads, the rule would cause more rail workers to become ill from exposure to hazardous materials, according to the conference, which includes the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET), and Brotherhood of Maintenance of Way Employes Division.

“Some of our members have died as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals, such as nuclear waste, anhydrous ammonia and chlorine,” said BLET National President Ed Rodzwicz in a prepared statement. “Had they had the proper training and safety equipment, lives might have been saved.”

The conference — which represents the more than 35,000 locomotive engineers and trainmen, and 35,000 maintenance-of-way workers — plans to work with the new Administration and Congress to overturn the rule if it’s issued.