More Information on Ergonomic Rules by the Government

A Return to Ergonomics Rule-Making?

According to recent media reports, President Barack Obama’s choice for Labor Secretary, Hilda Solis (Democrat - Los Angeles, CA), confirmed February 24, 2009, is expected to promote a much more active and engaged workplace safety regime at OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration). With regard to a national ergonomics standard, Ms. Solis is on record for both her strong support associated with the 2001 ergonomics rule-making effort and anger involving its repeal by then-President George W. Bush. Of the specific rule-making efforts rumored to be put back on track from the Bush Administration include the following:

1. An ergonomics rule to protect workers from repetitive motion injuries.
2. Regulating exposure to beryllium (used in dental work, aerospace and computers and is associated with lung disease).
3. A revision of the Permissible Exposure limits – a list of more than 400 toxic chemicals that has not been revised in about 40 years.
4. Regulating the levels of silica, tiny fibrous material in cement and stone dust that cause lung disease and cancer.
5. Regulation of hazardous exposure to ionizing radiation in mailrooms, food warehouses, hospitals and airports.

Turning back our focus to ergonomics rule-making, according to Rob Hotakainen of the Sacramento Bee, California is the only state that forces employers to take action and there is already talk of using the state’s ergonomic rules as a national model. Recent statements from President Obama further strengthen the rumors surrounding future enforcement rule-making activity. In a written response to questions from the Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, NC) specifically with regard to poultry workers late last year, Obama said OSHA “must attack this problem with all of the tools at its disposal – regulations, enforcement, training and compliance assistance.”

Source(s):

Hotakainen, R, (2009). Obama could restore ergonomics work rules. Sacramento Bee, 2/24/09.
Sammon, R. and Craver, M.L. (2009). Obama administration to shift regulatory approach. The Kiplinger Letter, 2/5/09.