OSHA Ergonomics Calendar of Events

By Stuart Flatow
Director of Occupational Safety & Health, ATA
Jan. 7, 2000

ERGONOMICS

OSHA Issues Ergonomics Proposal ATA Seeks Extension on Comment Period Get Analysis By ATA's Stuart Flatow ATA Says Plan 'Fails Common Sense Test'

Given that OSHA is not likely to extend the comments period of its proposed ergonomics rule, it is crucial that interested parties be aware of the strict deadlines for submitting comments and participating at public hearings. Those deadlines are as follows:

• Deadline for Written Comments: Feb. 1, 2000
• Deadline for Notice to Appear at Public Hearings: Jan. 24, 2000
• Submission of hearing testimony of more than 10 minutes: Feb. 1, 2000

Informal Public Hearings:

• February 22, 2000, Washington, D.C. at 9:30 am, Frances Perkins Bldg., U.S. Department of Labor, scheduled duration is 4 weeks
• March 21-31, 2000, Portland, Ore.
• April 11-21, 2000 Chicago, Ill.

The notice of intention to appear at any of the public hearings must contain the following information:

• The name, address, and telephone number of each person to appear;
• The capacity in which each person will appear;
• The approximate amount of time required for the presentation;
• The specific issues that will be addressed;
• A brief statement of the position that will be taken with respect to each issue;
• Whether the party intends to submit documentary evidence and, if so, a brief summary of that evidence; and
• The hearing at which the party wishes to testify.

The notice of intention to appear should be sent to:

Ms. Veneta Chatmon
OSHA Office of Public Affairs
Docket No. S-777
US Department of Labor
200 Constitution Ave., N.W.,
Room N-3649
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone: (202) 693-2119
Facsimile: (202) 693-1634

OSHA issued its proposed ergonomics protection standard on Nov. 23, 1999 and plans to issue a final rule by the end of 2000. Given the enormous impact that this rule would have on the trucking industry, ATA is encouraging its members to file comments in opposition to the rule, which ATA estimates could cost the trucking industry more than $6.5 billion in annual compliance costs.

For further information, please contact Stuart Flatow.