Today's proposal by the Clinton Administration for a workplace
ergonomics standard is a major step forward in the fight to end
crippling workplace injuries. Despite an unrelenting and mean-spirited
campaign by big business groups and anti-worker members of Congress to
block these important protections, the public will finally have a chance
to be heard.
The proposed rule — which requires employers to implement ergonomics
programs for hazardous jobs — will significantly reduce injuries and
illnesses, lower workers' compensation costs and improve productivity.
In its final form, the rule should be expanded to cover workers in the
construction, agriculture and maritime industries and require employers
to fix hazardous jobs before workers are injured.
The broad support for the OSHA ergonomics standard from the safety
and health professional community — from doctors, nurses, industrial
hygienists and safety engineers — is validation that the scientific
evidence on ergonomics is strong. It confirms what workers have known
for years — that these injuries are caused by workplace hazards and can
be prevented. The recent state action on ergonomics regulations in
California and Washington provides further support for the federal OSHA
rule.
Nine years have passed since the Bush Administration committed to
developing an ergonomics standard to protect workers. Since then more
than six million workers have suffered serious injuries from ergonomic
hazards. Government action to prevent the crippling of working men and
women is long overdue.
The AFL-CIO will do everything we can to help OSHA complete this rule
making and to issue a strong final standard to protect workers. We hope
that responsible employers who believe in protecting workers' safety and
health will join us in this effort.
Contact:
Lane Windham (202) 637-3962