Copyright 1999 The Atlanta Constitution
The Atlanta
Journal and Constitution
November 22, 1999, Monday, Today's News
Edition
SECTION: News; Pg. 1A
LENGTH: 367 words
HEADLINE:
Feds to expand job safety rules;
OSHA proposals would cover
millions, including computer users, from repetitive stress
injuries.
BYLINE: From our news services
SOURCE: JOURNAL
DATELINE:
Washington
BODY:
The Clinton administration was set
to propose new workplace rules today that officials said would protect an
estimated 27 million people who work at computers or at other jobs that require
repetitive motions, according to published reports.
The
Occupational Safety and Health Administration's proposed rules,
reported today in The Washington Post and The New York Times, would cover people
who work at computers, on assembly lines or at other jobs where workers suffer
from repetitive stress injuries.
Businesses and some
lawmakers have opposed the standards for years, insisting there should be no new
rules issued until there is scientific proof that workplace problems cause the
injuries.
The Times said the rules would require employers to adopt
ergonomic programs to minimize workplace hazards, even if only a few employees
have suffered such injuries.
While opponents in Congress tried to delay
the rules for more study, the Times said the Clinton administration decided to
act now with Congress out of town until next year.
The proposal has two
parts. It would require all manufacturers and companies that have workers who do
manual lifting to have a program to identify ergonomic issues and teach
employees what to watch out for, the Post said.
It also would require
any employer that has a worker who reports an ergonomic injury to improve the
conditions in that portion of the workplace.
Companies could adjust
workstations or buy equipment to reduce the problem. Companies could also rotate
workers in jobs or slow their work pace.
''This is going to be a
flexible standard tailored to individual workplaces, '' said Labor Secretary
Alexis Herman.
OSHA expects to issue a final rule
sometime next year. Virtually every company, except those engaged in
construction, maritime activities or agriculture, could be required to comply if
they have an injured worker.
Business groups said they would continue to
fight the proposed standards.
''We'll use the force of our membership to
hold OSHA's feet to the fire to have the science before they
regulate,'' Jennifer Krese, director of employment policy for the National
Association of Manufacturers, told the Post.
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November 23, 1999 
