Here we go again (on ergonomics)

OSHA just gave notice of what at first glance might seem to be a small step – but one that signals the beginning of a long walk down the wrong path.

OSHA’s gave notice that it is proposing to revise its recordkeeping regulation by restoring a column on the OSHA Form 300 to better identify work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OSHA says that the rule “does not change existing requirements for when and under what circumstances employers must record musculoskeletal disorders on their injury and illness logs.”

But I think this step marks the beginning of an attempt by OSHA to reissue an ergonomics standard. I anticipate that OSHA will expend huge amounts of time and money to try to promulgate a new ergonomics standard, even though a similar attempt was rejected by Congress in 2001. I testified before OSHA at that time against putting such a standard in place.

I really don’t understand why there is an interest at OSHA for an ergonomics standard when there are extensive efforts already underway in private industry to reduce/eliminate ergonomic injuries and OSHA has other items on its plate that should be higher priorities. Among them are proposed standards that have been in the works for many years and are very much needed in industry. Some examples are a confined spaces standard for construction, lockout/tagout standards for construction and revised fall protection standards for general industry.