OSHA Schedules Hearings on Ergonomics Standard
AFSCME members needed in the fight to help broaden and strengthen the rule.
WASHINGTON, D.C.
On Nov. 22 the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) published its long-awaited ergonomics proposal, moving U.S. workers a step closer to a workplace that may one day be kinder to their aching backs, necks, wrist and joints.
Last fall, Public Employee carried a story on the need for an ergonomics standard to help regulate the design of workplaces and work processes to avoid musculoskeletal injuries (“Ergonomics: Work Shouldn't Hurt,” September/October).
AFSCME and other unions have pushed for the standard for more than a decade. Poor ergonomic design is the leading cause of serious workplace injury, from carpal tunnel syndrome to serious back injuries. And it cripples all manner of workers annually, from health care personnel lifting heavy patients to office workers toiling at the computer day after day.
“We know what causes these injuries and we also know how to prevent them,” AFSCME said in a statement released in conjunction with OSHA's press conference. “Ergonomics means changing the way work is done to take the strain off of workers’ bodies.”
AFSCME's health experts called the proposed standard “a good start,” but note it still has serious shortcomings: That is, all affected workers are not covered and, for some workers (computer operators among them), an ergonomics program is not triggered until workers are already injured.
AFSCME pledged to actively participate in the rulemaking to make sure the final standard addresses the shortcomings and emphasizes prevention as well as cure.
The International Union will coordinate with affiliates to find witnesses for OSHA’s three hearings: in Washington, D.C., Feb. 22-March 17; in Portland, Ore., March 21-3, and in Chicago, April 11-21.
AFSCMEis looking for members who have suffered injuries resulting from poorly designed workstations or work processes, as well as those who can present workplace success stories, such as where employers have instituted successful ergonomics programs to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.
Following the hearings and collection of written comments, OSHA will amend the proposed rule and issue a final ergonomics standard, hopefully later this year.
This is a major development in AFSCME’s charge to ensure a safe and healthy workplace for all of our members. Statistics tell a story, but not nearly one as powerful as that told by workers who have suffered musculoskeletal injuries that could have been prevented. If you think you have a story to tell, tell us about it today!
Be a part of shaping a safer workplace!
By Chris Dodd
