OSHA to Hold Ergonomics Hearings

OSHA Proposes Ergonomics Standard to Protect Workers From Crippling Injuries

After nearly ten years of fighting industry attacks, millions of disabling injuries and untold suffering, OSHA issued its proposed ergonomics standard on November 22. The proposed standard is designed to assist employers in reducing ergonomic hazards in the workplace, which lead to crippling injuries for more than 600,000 workers each year resulting in lost time from work. Ergonomic hazards are the nation’s number one job safety problem.

The lives of workers who suffer from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or back injuries are changed forever. Many are crippled by debilitating wrist, shoulder or back pain. These injured workers often lose their jobs. Many become permanently unemployed or are forced to take severe pay cuts to continue working. Some end up on public assistance.

Next: What Does the Proposed Standard Do?