Workplace Goods Job Growth and Competitiveness Act of 2005

H.R. 1363, the Workplace Goods Job Growth and Competitiveness Act of 2005, proposes a federal "statute of repose" for durable goods used in the workplace, such as industrial machinery and equipment. The bill would generally prohibit individuals from filing lawsuits against manufacturers or sellers for property damage, personal injury, or death if the equipment involved is more than 18 years old.

For everyday citizens and workers, this means that if an older piece of machinery malfunctions and causes an injury, the right to sue the manufacturer would be restricted if the person is already eligible for workers' compensation. These protections for manufacturers would not apply in cases involving toxic substances like asbestos, written warranties lasting longer than 18 years, or environmental remediation efforts. While the bill aims to reduce long-term legal liability for businesses, it would limit the ability of workers to seek damages from equipment makers for accidents involving aging workplace technology.