Hello Mark800,
Ergonomics Program Standard: Background
“On November 23, 1999, OSHA published a proposed rule for an
Ergonomics Program Standard. Following five public hearings, and more
than 170,000 pages of comments and testimony, on November 14, 2000,
OSHA promulgated an Ergonomics Program Standard to address the
significant risk of employee exposure to ergonomic risk factors in
jobs in general industry workplaces. [65 Fed. Reg. 68262 (Nov. 14,
2000]. OSHA believes that exposure to ergonomic risk factors - both on
and off the job - may lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The
rule became final on January 16, 2001. Industry strongly opposed the
rule, citing concerns for lack of sound science in developing the
rule, conflicts with state worker compensation laws, and procedural
and legal issues.”
“On March 20, 2001, President George W. Bush signed a joint resolution
of Congress disapproving OSHA's ergonomics standard. At the same time,
he pledged to find a solution to ergonomic-related problems affecting
the nation's workforce. As a result, the standard is no longer in
effect, and employers and workers are not bound by its requirements.”
The Society of the Plastics Industry
http://www.socplas.org/public/worksafe/ergonomics.htm
OSHA’s Ergonomics Program Standard by Dave Piasecki
March 2001
“The Senate and the House of Representatives voted to repeal OSHA's
Ergonomics Ruling. Since George Dubya has already stated he would
sign the order we can assume the ruling is dead for now. Good news
for general industry, bad news for those in the compliance industry
that probably have their warehouses full of compliance kits. As
stated in my article, the OSHA standard was problematic and destined
for failure. Although the standard has been repealed it is very
likely that we will be seeing some other version of the standard in
the future. Due to the debate over what an ergonomic related injury
is, it will continue to be a challenge for OSHA to put together a
standard that is fair to both workers and industry. “
April 5, 2002
“OSHA is working on Industry Specific and Task Specific Ergonomics
guidelines. The "New" OSHA Ergonomics Plan is a work in progress.”
Inventory Operations Consulting L.L.C.
http://www.inventoryops.com/ergonomics.htm
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“In April 2002, Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao unveiled a
comprehensive approach to dramatically reduce and prevent ergonomic
injuries in the workplace.
OSHA developed a four-pronged ergonomics strategy to meet this goal
through a combination of industry-specific and task-specific
guidelines, outreach, enforcement, and research.”
OSHA Effective Ergonomics: Strategy for Success
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/four-pronged_factsheet_2003.html
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Ergonomics: Guidelines
“A major component of OSHA's four-pronged approach to ergonomics is
the development of industry-specific and task-specific guidelines to
reduce and prevent workplace ergonomic injuries, often called
musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). These voluntary guidelines are tools
to assist employers in recognizing and controlling hazards.”
OSHA: ErgonomicsGuidelines
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/guidelines.html
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What is a guideline and how does it differ from a standard?
“A guideline is a tool to assist employers in recognizing and
controlling hazards. It is voluntary. Failure to implement a guideline
is not itself a violation of the General Duty Clause of the OSH Act.
Guidelines that OSHA develops will provide information to help
employers identify ergonomic hazards in their workplaces and implement
feasible measures to control those hazards.”
“Guidelines are more flexible than standards. They can be developed
quickly and can be changed easily as new information becomes available
with scientific advances. Guidelines make it easier for employers to
adopt innovative programs to suit their workplaces, rather than
inflexible, one-size-fits-all solutions to issues that may be unique
to the industry or facility.”
(..)
“Even if there are no guidelines specific to your industry, as an
employer you still have an obligation under the General Duty Clause,
Section 5(a)(1) to keep your workplace free from recognized serious
hazards, including ergonomic hazards. OSHA will cite for ergonomic
hazards under the General Duty Clause or issue ergonomic hazard
letters where appropriate as part of its overall enforcement program.”
OSHA: FAQ
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/faqs.html#differ
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OSHA’s Ergonomic Enforcement Plan
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/enforcement_plan.html
Ergonomics
The four segments of OSHA's strategy for reducing injuries and
illnesses from MSDs in the workplace are: guidelines, enforcement,
outreach and assistance and the charter of a National Advisor
Committee.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/index.html
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OSHA provides ergonomic guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores, Nursing
Homes, and Poultry Processing.
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/guidelines.html
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Retail Grocery Guideline
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OSHA issued a draft ergonomic guideline for retail grocery stores on
May 9, 2003.
Draft guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores--Ergonomics for the
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders.
“Many of the work-related injuries and illnesses experienced by
grocery store workers are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as
carpal tunnel syndrome, back injuries and sprains or strains that may
develop from lifting, repetitive motion, or overexertion.”
(..)
“The ergonomic risk factors grocery stores should look for include:”
“Force - the amount of physical effort required to perform a task
(such as heavy lifting) or to maintain control of equipment or tools;
Repetition - performing the same motion or series of motions
continually or frequently for an extended period of time;
Awkward or static postures - include repeated or prolonged reaching,
twisting, bending, kneeling, squatting, or working overhead, or
holding fixed positions; and
Contact stress - pressing the body or part of the body against a hard
or sharp edge, or using the hand as a hammer.”
(..)
“Work with suppliers to get lower weight boxes to reduce the weight
manually lifted. Industry groups such as the Grocery Manufacturers of
America and Food Marketing Institute encourage all companies to use
containers and packages of 40 pounds or less.”
I highly recommend that read the entire guideline as there is a
checklist for identifying potential ergonomics concerns by workplace
activity. Ergonomic solutions are provides as well.
OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration
http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/grocerysolutions/index.html
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Nursing Home Guideline
======================
OSHA issued an ergonomic guideline for the nursing home industry on
March 13, 2003.
Guidelines for Nursing Homes -- Ergonomics for the Prevention of
Musculoskeletal Disorders.
Lateral Transfer to and from: Bed to Stretcher, Trolley
- “If patient is <100 pounds: Use a lateral sliding aid and 2
caregivers.
- If patient is 100-200 pounds: Use a lateral sliding aid -or- a
friction reducing device and 2 caregivers.
- If patient is >200 pounds: Use a lateral sling aid and 3 caregivers
-or- a friction-reducing device or lateral transfer device and 2
caregivers -or- a mechanical lateral transfer device.”
Reposition in Bed: Side–to-Side, Up in Bed
- “If patient is >200 pounds: Use a friction-reducing device and at
least 3 caregivers.
- If patient is <200 pounds: Use a friction-reducing device and 2-3
caregivers.”
OSHA: Nursing Home Guidelines
http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/nursinghome/final_nh_guidelines.html
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Poultry Processing Guideline
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OSHA issued a draft ergonomic guideline for poultry processing on June
4, 2003.
Draft guidelines for Poultry Processing--Ergonomics for the Prevention
of Musculoskeletal Disorders.
http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/poultryprocessing/index.html
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Frequently Asked Questions regarding OSHA Ergonomic Guidelines
http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/faqs.html#Guidelines
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Search Criteria:
Federal OSHA standards lifting
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I hope this information helps you in your research.
Best Regards,
Bobbie7-ga |
