March 19, 2003—The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has formed an Alliance with the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), with the specific goal of improving the workplace to prevent future ergonomic-related injuries.
The Alliance specifies that OSHA and AAOS will serve as resources to both AAOS members and OSHA personnel to help them protect workers’ health and safety, particularly in reducing and preventing ergonomic hazards. To accomplish that, both organizations plan on seeking opportunities to jointly develop information at conferences, events, and through media outlets, including their individual Web sites. Additionally, OSHA and AAOS will provide speakers and exhibits for conferences and other events to promote OSHA’s comprehensive four-pronged approach to address ergonomic issues.
OSHA has agreed to educate its personnel on current research initiatives and workplace hazard identification, with the help of AAOS resources. Likewise, the Academy will work with OSHA as it develops a clearinghouse of training and education information on ergonomic issues.
Both organizations have agreed to share information supporting the solutions to ergonomic problems already developed by AAOS, as well as examples of hazard recognition strategies and analytical tools with OSHA and others to encourage wide implementation. Finally, OSHA is encouraging Academy members to act as liaisons and resources for OSHA’s various cooperative programs. Joint participation in forums and roundtable discussions on ergonomic problems rounds out the Alliance goals.
AAOS has more than 26,000 members and provides education programs for orthopedic surgeons, allied health professionals, and the public.
