OSHA News

OSHA Announces New Plan for Ergonomics

OSHA has unveiled a new, comprehensive plan for addressing work-related cumulative trauma disorders.

The agency said "targeted guidelines and tough enforcement" are two key elements of the Bush Administration’s plan. A far-reaching standard, similar to the one passed in the waning days of the Clinton Administration but revoked by Congress and President Bush last year, is not part of the new plan.

There are four main parts of the plan: voluntary guidelines, targeted enforcement, outreach and assistance, and ergonomics research. Here are the specifics for each:

Voluntary Guidelines: OSHA intends to develop industry- and/or task-specific guidelines within the next six months to address selected industries with high incidence rates and known solutions.

Targeted Enforcement: OSHA is creating special ergonomics inspection teams and will pursue some ergonomics-only inspections. OSHA said it will use its General Duty Clause to issue citations for "serious ergonomics problems" and "crack down on bad actors."

Outreach and Assistance: OSHA will provide employers with specialized training and information on guidelines and successful ergonomics programs. The agency will administer targeted training grants and create a recognition program for ergonomic success stories.

Ergonomics Research: OSHA is creating a national advisory committee to determine ergonomics research needs, and then OSHA intends to stimulate and encourage the needed research to improve the application of ergonomic principles to the workplace.