Editorial Support "...the proposed ergonomics rules would give employers much flexibility by focusing on the elements the agency wants to see in such plans while letting employers design programs that meet the needs of their companies." Los Angeles Times "But it's the Beltway lobbyists and GOP opponents that are out of whack on this critical issue. Out in the real world, many companies have already figured out that taking a few steps to keep workers healthy not only makes sense - it saves dollars and cents." Business Week "Contrary to the dire warnings of business lobbyists, some major corporations already have seen the wisdom of the approach being adopted by the Labor Department. A spokesman for the world's biggest farm equipment manufacturer, Deere & Company, said 'We're in ergonomics for the long haul because it's wise business. We've had an ergonomics programs since 1984. Eighty percent of the problems can be fixed for $200 or less.' And workers themselves often think up the needed changes." Louisville (Ky) Courier-Journal "Carpal tunnel syndrome is real, and it stinks. Sometimes it hurts like hell. I know, because I have it, thanks to years of pounding on nonergonomic keyboards while sitting at a nonergonomic desk. Even with hand surgery (one down, one to go) I know this problem isn't going to go away. But I'm hardly unique...Yes, of course this will cost companies money...But businesses will find the cost of lost productivity, unfilled jobs, workers' compensation and mounting medical bills a lot more punitive than the cost of underwriting preventative measures." Computer World "Safety standards addressing repetitive motion injuries and other work-related ergonomic hazards are clearly needed, despite the protests of the national business lobby." Blethen Maine Newspapers, Inc. "...public debate on these rules - which could affect 27 million workers at 1.9 million work sites - is so essential. The final rule won't be issued for another year, giving ample time to ensure that labor and management opinions are heard." Philadelphia Inquirer "Numerous studies have shown that certain workplace conditions increase the likelihood workers will get these conditions: Reaching repeatedly above one's head, lifting too-heavy loads and working in cold temperatures all play a role." Washington Post "While some employers reacted to the federal plans to regulate workplace ergonomics by telling the government MYOB (Mind Your Own Business), I say that even if OSHA acts PDQ (Pretty Darn Quick), it won't be soon enough. There already has been too much suffering. Like my own. And I am among the luckiest of victims." James Coates, Columnist |