In the 60-minute Web chat, Barab received five questions about ergonomics.

One thing is for sure: Ergonomics is a priority now at OSHA. At a minimum, the agency would like companies to make ergonomics a more frequent safety training topic to reduce related injuries. And the current administration has signaled that, even without an ergonomics standard, it will use the General Duty Clause to issue citations when inspections uncover ergonomic problems.

Here’s what we know from Barab’s answers to questions during the Web chat:

• While OSHA will propose a rule to define work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and add a separate column for them on its required workplace injuries log (300 Log), Barab said that isn’t a prelude to a broader ergonomic standard. OSHA has no plan for regulatory activity on WMSDs at this time, Barab said.
• OSHA hopes requiring companies to note ergonomic injuries on the 300 Log will provide useful information that employers and workers can use to better identify WMSDs in the workplace.
• Barab said the new OSHA administrator, David Michaels “will intensify the process of determining how we are going to address ergonomics.” Barab also said Michaels will address ergonomics “as one of his highest priorities.”
• Industry-specific standards, such as safe patient handling in healthcare facilities, is one option OSHA will consider.

How should OSHA handle ergonomics? Let us know in the Comments Box below.

The American Industrial Hygiene Association (AIHA) recently released a position statement on ergonomics (PDF) which supports “the development of ergonomics-related reporting, regulations and standards as a more effective long-term strategy” than guidelines.

AIHA says ergonomic regulations should focus on the development of health and safety programs that reduce the risk of musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs).

Specifically, AIHA has called for OSHA to:

• develop a strong and clear minimum standard for the recognition and abatement of hazards that result in MSDs based on the best available scientific and medical knowledge, and
• continue to require employers to record MSDs on Form 300, Log of Work-Related Injuries.

Earlier this year, interim OSHA administrator Jordan Barab called ergonomics “the 60,000-pound elephant in the room.” He acknowledged OSHA can’t create a new standard. Congress barred OSHA from issuing a similar standard when the original ergonomics rules were overturned in 2001.

However, Barab said, “we can fix this.”

Even during the Bush years, OSHA issued 19 General Duty Clause (GDC) citations for ergonomics.

Should OSHA address workplace ergonomics through regulations? Or should the agency just use the GDC to issue fines when it finds ergonomic problems? Let us know in the Comments Box below.

Employers in another state may soon be facing mandatory rules to reduce the number of employees’ ergonomic injuries.

Michigan is in line to join California as the only states to require employers to have ergonomic programs.

Michigan’s rule would require that all employees be given ergonomic awareness training that covers:

• occupational risk factors
• signs and symptoms that indicate an ergonomic hazard may be present
• a process for reporting that an ergonomic hazard may be present, and
• a process for assessing and responding to ergonomic occupational risk.

Companies would have to document that training was performed.

Employers would also have to establish a process for assessing and responding to ergonomic occupational risk factors that includes:

• employee involvement
• assessment of ergonomic risks, and
• elimination, reduction or control of ergonomic hazards where economically and technically feasible.

The proposal continues to undergo state review, and a public hearing will have to be held. However, members of two key state commissions unanimously approved the measure in January.

The rule would take effect six months after it’s enacted.

From 2 states to 50?

While Michigan is working on its own rule, President Obama has said he favors restoring a federal ergonomics standard that would require employers to educate employees about musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), keep records on these types of injuries and determine their risks for MSDs.

Eliminating or reducing ergonomic injuries can save businesses significant costs. About $1 of every $3 spent on workers’ comp are spent on MSDs. Overall, U.S. employers absorb $20 billion in costs associated with ergonomic injuries.

Do you have an ergonomics program at your workplace? What do you think about state or federal rules to require employers to have ergonomic programs? Let us know about your program and opinions in the Comments Box below.