ERGONOMICS 101: OSHA ISSUES PROPOSED SAFETY STANDARD FOR MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES
By December 2000, you may be required by law to develop a comprehensive ergonomic safety program if one of your employees develops carpal tunnel syndrome from using the computer all day. In addition, you may have to pay that employee 90% of his or her net wages and benefits while he or she is out recovering.
On November 22, 1999, when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ("OSHA") released its long-awaited, proposed ergonomic safety standard, some said "Big Brother" went too far. The proposed standard is designed to reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders in the workplace by requiring employers to reduce the risk factors that lead to such injuries. The regulations may apply to conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome and soft tissue back injuries. If adopted, the safety standard will have a wide-ranging impact on almost all employers. Employers that engage
