OSHA Ergonomics: Overview and ATA Strategy

Stuart Flatow
Director of Occupational Safety & Health, ATA
Nov. 23, 1999

The Latest

OSHA's long-awaited ergonomics proposal was published in today's federal register. A press conference unveiling the proposal was held on Nov. 22. The comment period will extend until Feb. 1, 2000. OSHA expects to issue a final rule in 2000.

Cost of Compliance

OSHA estimates the annual cost of its rule to be $4 billion while an ATA economic study set that cost at $6.5 billion (for trucking alone…based on an evaluation of OSHA's 1995 draft standard).

Coverage

Industries involved in manufacturing and manual materials handling have been singled out and will be required to develop modified ergonomics programs, even in the absence of any injuries. All other sectors of general industry with one or more workers with work-related musculoskelatal disorders (MSDs) will be required to establish extensive ergonomics programs. The proposal does not cover construction, maritime, or agriculture.

Program Requirements

Program requirements include management commitment, employee training and education, workplace analysis and improvement, and medical management. Workplace improvements may involve reduction of work pace and/or complete work-site redesign.

Causal Factors of MSDs

Exposure to repetitive motion, lifting, awkward postures, vibrations, excessive temperatures.

Medical Management

Once an employee reports an injury, it would have to be checked by a health professional to determine work-relatedness. If work-related and the cause of the injury could not be quickly remedied, the employer would have to: A) offer full pay and benefits to injured workers who can be transferred to "light" duty, or B) offer 90% of pay and full benefits to injured workers who cannot return to work -- both for a period of up to six months.

ATA Response

ATA will continue to fight any ergonomics rule that is not based on sound science and medical consensus urges OSHA to wait for the completion of the National Academy of Science's ergonomics study prior to issuing a final rule.