ERGONOMICS
UPDATE
August 2001
New Administration Collecting Information For Different Approach
Ergonomics is a discipline that involves arranging the work environment
to fit the employee in order to reduce injuries related to repetitive
motions. These injuries are caused by excessive and repeated physical
stress on the musculoskeletal system - the hands, wrists, elbow, shoulders,
neck, and back. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) result
when there is a mismatch between the physical capacity of workers and
the demands of the job. Work related MSDs include tendonitis, epicondylitis,
carpal tunnel syndrome, and back injuries.
Many of these are caused or aggravated by work related stressors such
as such as lifting, reaching, pulling, pushing, and bending.
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) held three hearings in July on ergonomics
to gatherinformation on how to lay the groundwork for a new DOL regulatory
approach. The new approach has yet to be determined but it is intended
to replace the Clinton Administration’s ergonomics standard, which
was overturned by Congress in March 2001.
It is therefore extremely important for businesses to submit comments
to the Department of Labor before September so that the government’s
new course of action reflects a business perspective.
The following procedures for submitting documents and comments about
the hearings:
August
3, 2001 was the official cut-off date for written comments, but it
never hurts to give the government continuous feedback from businesses
on the ergonomics issue. If you are submitting documentary evidence
that has been previously submitted in theOSHA ergonomics rulemaking
docket (Docket S-777), please reference the Exhibit Number rather than
providing an additional copy.
Written
comments can be submitted as follows:
| Mail:
Submit three copies of written comments to: OSHA Docket Office, Docket
No. S-777A, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW.,
Room N-2625, Washington, DC 20210, telephone (202) 693-2350. |
| Fax:
If your written comments are 10 pages or fewer, you may fax them to
the Docket Office. The OSHA Docket Office fax number is (202) 693-1648. |
| Electronic:
You may submit comments electronically through OSHA's Homepage at
www.osha.gov. Please note
that you may not attach materials such as studies or journal articles
to your electronic comments. If you wish to include such materials,
you must submit three copies to the OSHA Docket Office at the address
listed above. When submitting such materials to the OSHA Docket Office,
you must clearly identify your electronic comments by name, date,
and subject, so that DOL can attach the materials to your electronic
comments. |
For further information please contact Bonnie Friedman, OSHA Office of
Public Affairs telephone (202) 693-1999, or visit the OSHA Homepage at
www.osha.gov.
The forums/comments should address the following principles U.S. Secretary
of Labor, Elaine Chao has announced should be the basis for any new ergonomics
regulations:
(1) Prevention:
Any new approach should emphasize the prevention of injuries before
they occur.
(2) Sound Science: The approach should be based on the best available
science and research.
(3) Incentive Driven: The approach should focus on cooperation between
OSHA and employers.
(4) Flexibility: The approach should take account of the varying
capabilities and characteristics of different businesses and workers.
(5) Feasibility: Future actions must recognize the costs of compliance
to small businesses.
(6) Clarity: Any approach must include short, simple and common
sense instructions.
|
The specific questions to be addressed at the forums involving these
issues are:
(1). What is
an ergonomics injury? The Department of Labor is interested in establishing
an accepted definition that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
employers and their employees can understand and apply.
(2). How can the Occupational Safety and Health Administration,
employers and employees determine whether an ergonomics injury was
caused by work-related activities or non-work-related activities;
and, if the ergonomics injury was caused by a combination of the
two, what is the appropriate response?
(3). What are the most useful and cost-effective types of government
involvement to address workplace ergonomics injuries (e.g., rulemaking,
guidelines, "best practices," publications/ conferences,
technical assistance, consultations, partnerships or combinations
of such approaches)? The agency particularly invites comment on
the advantages and disadvantages of each approach or combination
of approaches.
|
How can I voice my opinion or find more answers?
There are several ways to speak out on these rules or gather additional
information.
• U.S.
Chamber website
• UWC website
• OSHA website |
