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FEDERAL OSHA STANDARD - R.I.P
The hearse just whizzed by carrying OSHA's ergonomic standard, who
succumbed late Thursday afternoon to a fatal muscle spasm of the carpal
tunnel syndrome. The claims processing provisions under the standard proved
too heavy a weight to bear. When stricken, Ergo had a living will which
observed a DO NOT RECESSITATE order. This provision allowed Congress to
remove all life support. Poor little Ergo's short life is attributed to bad
genes, but not a bad idea.
As we write the obituary, the federal OSHA ergonomic standard is survived
by a very large and caring family. Ergonomics is not a new workplace issue.
It's been around for a long time. Ergonomic conditions represent the
highest percentage of workers compensation claims. Therefore, it makes
good sense to train employees to recognize possible ergonomic conditions
that affect their muscles, tendons, nerves, circulatory system, and back.
Early intervention minimizes employee discomfort, possible surgery, and
time-off. Simply stated, ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to
the worker. It involves developing strategies to minimize the impact of
repetition, force, awkward postures, lifting heavy or awkward objects,
extended reaching, vibration, and working under conditions of cold
temperatures. A simple intervention strategy that provides more
illumination or chair adjustment can make a dramatic difference in
prevention. Comfortable employees are happier and more efficient.
Many companies already have successful, well-established ergonomic
programs. Bayer Corporation
is one.
Bayer's program began in 1993 and by 1998, the company reduced ergonomic injuries by 70%,
earning them the Conference Board's prestigious Ron Brown Award as a best practice
initiative.
On the state level,
California has an ergonomics standard effective since July 1997. .
Washington
adopted an ergonomics rule on May 26, 2000.
North Carolina
last November adopted verbatim the provisions of the federal Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ergonomic standard that address
disorders such as back strains and chronic hand pain. Though they don't have
standards, Maryland, Minnesota, and Oregon are addressing ergonomics with
special emphasis programs, consultation services, and guidelines.
There are important developments by two independent standard organizations:
On February 1, 2001, the
American Conference of Governmental Industrial
Hygienists (ACGIH) issued a "Hand Activity Level (HAL)" - Threshold Limit
Value (TLV) applied to "mono-task" jobs performed for four hours or more per
day.
The draft ANZI Z-365 Standard for the Prevention of Cumulative Disorders is
very close to balloting. The current draft only applies to upper extremity
CTDs (arm, shoulder, hand, wrist) but many of the same principles apply to
back and lower extremity CTDs and it is expected that the draft eventually
will be expanded to cover those CTDs as well.
As you can see, there are many reasons to begin developing an ergonomics program.
Please visit our Ergonomic Resource Center where everyday you will find fresh new content to help you develop your own ergonomic program.
Related Seton Product:
Ergonomics Starter Kit
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