News from the past few weeks have been preoccupied with the recounts, lawsuits, and protests in Florida.  But as the media reports on the national election, another dispute still rages.  The battle for workplace safety and ergonomics regulations continues in Washington.

    Work-related injuries are serious.  Although easily preventable, about 1.8 million workers report musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back injuries each year.  About 600,000 of those workers need to take time off because of these injuries. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's (OSHA) new ergonomics standards are estimated to prevent 4.6 million work-related MSDs over the next ten years.

    Recently, the Clinton administration issued workplace safety regulations to OSHA.  The 608 page report contains new rules for ergonomic standards to avoid injuries in the workplace.  The new rules will require employers to educate their employees of MSDs which are caused by repetitive motion.  If an employee reports an MSD, the company must promptly determine if the symptoms are work-related.  If the MSD is found to be work-related, the company must remedy the situation by allowing days off from work, limiting exposure, or altering the work environment.

    Unfortunately, not everyone is supportive of the Administration's new changes.  Several corporations have stated that the new rules would interfere with safety programs already in place.  Many of these programs boast of reduced injuries and fewer lost workdays.  OSHA officials would allow current safety programs that meet OSHA requirements to continue. But the fact of the matter is OSHA finds 60 percent of all companies do not consider ergonomics a priority.

    In Congress, the budget bill funding the Department of Labor has set the stage for debate over ergonomics standards.  With the support of the Administration, congressional Democrats have been pushing to include and fully fund the enforcement of OSHA's ergonomics rules.  But congressional Republicans want to block these protections of worker safety.

    America's workforce needs protections such as the new ergonomics rules.  Employers must establish programs to protect their employees against repetitive stresses and strains in the workplace.  Congress needs to recognize the importance of ergonomics standards and uphold
their enforcement in the Labor/HHS spending bill.