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Ergonomics
Rule Proposal
The Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a number of proposed
ergonomic regulations on Nov. 22, 1999 that, if approved, will significantly
affect the way Ohio's businesses operate.
The public
comment period on these rules is now open -- and has been extended
as the direct result of pressure from the employer community. The
Ohio Chamber is committed to ensuring that our members' concerns
about these proposed rules are heard at the national level.
Tips
for plugging into the ergonomic rules debate
What should
business owners do?
It's important
that you make it a priority to determine if and how your workplace
could be affected by the proposed regulations.
How can
I determine if my businesses will be affected by the proposed ergonomic
rules?
If you're a general
industry employer and your employees work in "manufacturing jobs"
or "manual handling jobs," or report "muskuloskeletal disorders
(MSDs)" spelled out in the OSHA standard, the rules would apply
to your workplace. (Read more on these job
definitions.)
These rules
are job-based and do not apply to your entire workplace. It's
important that you determine for yourself how this will impact
your bottom line. Take time to read
the proposed rules online.
How can
I voice my opinion or find more answers?
There are several
ways to speak out on these rules or gather additional information.
- The U.S.
Chamber offers an alert with more detailed information on this
issue. You'll find it in the Policy & Issues section of their
site. Once you're in that section, click on the index, then Labor/Workforce
Policy. The alert is found in the ergonomics area.
- You can contact
OSHA directly, if you have specific questions about the proposed
rules.
- You can also
submit
your comments to OSHA through this special online comment
form.
- One final
resource - If you'd like help evaluating your workplace, the
Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation Division of Safety & Hygiene
provides free, confidential assistance. They can also help you
get a jump start on preparing your business to comply with the
standards. You can reach them by calling 1-800-OHIOBWC, press
2, 2.
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