The compliance deadline for OSHA’s recently announced final Ergonomics rule is October 14, 2001; the rule becomes effective, however, January 16, 2001. The rule contains significant changes from last year’s proposal, and covers an estimated 102 million workers at 6.1 million worksites, making it the farthest-reaching standard ever.
All general industry employers, including the US Postal Service, are covered, but not those covered by OSHA’s construction standards. The standard will apply to public sector employers in OSHA’s state-plan, if those states adopt the federal standard. There is no distinction in the standard between workers in manufacturing versus workers in an office/computer setting. Initially, affected employers will be required to provide basic information to their employees about common musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Employers can simply post and distribute OSHA information sheets (found in the appendix to the standard) to comply with this requirement. Employers are not required to take any other action until an MSD incident is reported. When an employee reports MSD signs or symptoms, the employer must determine if the symptoms are work-related and require days away from work, restricted work, or medical treatment beyond first aid. The employer is then required to screen the job using the Basic Screening Tool checklist to determine whether further action must be taken. The five risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that the standard covers are repetition, force, awkward postures, contact stress, and vibration.
The annual costs of this standard to employers are estimated to be $4.5 billion, while the annual benefits it will generate are estimated to be $9.1 billion. The annualized average cost of fixing each problem job is estimated to be $250. Fines, citations, and other penalties are associated with failure to comply. The standard has already been challenged, with several court cases pending.
To download the entire final Ergonomics rule and accompanying information, including frequently asked questions and compliance assistance, contact OSHA.
Based on a report from Safety Currents
