OSHA releases final version of workplace ergonomics rules

Computerworld - WASHINGTON - The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) today began releasing the final version of a set of workplace ergonomic standards aimed partly at reducing the repetitive-motion injuries that afflict many heavy users of computers. But the rules were greeted by angry industry reaction.

The National Association of Manufacturers said it and other business groups would immediately take legal action in an attempt to block the new federal rules, arguing that the standards are unscientific and could make companies liable for injuries aggravated but not caused by working conditions.

OSHA, which first proposed the new rules a year ago (see story), is trying to cut back on the number of workplace injuries caused by poor ergonomic practices. Some 1.8 million U.S. workers experience musculoskeletar disorders annually, with 600,000 people suffering injuries that are serious enough to require time off from work.

In total, the rules will affect more than 6 million companies employing 100 million-plus workers, according to OSHA. The ergonomic standards relate to a variety of musculoskeletal disorders, from those that stem from heavy lifting to repetitive stress injuries caused by the use of computer keyboards.

The OSHA rules don't specifically require companies to buy certain kinds of office equipment, said Peter Budnick, president and CEO of ErgoWeb Inc., an ergonomics consulting firm in Midway, Utah. But companies that have employees who are suffering from ergonomic-related injuries will have to take steps to address the problems, he added.

"To do good ergonomics in the office should not be a big burden in a company and may be a way to retain good employees," Budnick noted. In some cases, he said, that may simply mean ensuring that a computer monitor isn't off to the side but directly in front of an employee, or ensuring that a mouse is level with the keyboard.

But it could be costly for some companies, especially those with lots of older furniture, Budnick said. Those companies may have to purchase adjustable chairs, for example. Little fixes can do a lot, but they can add up when spread across a large company, he said.

Progressive employers are already taking steps to ensure that their workers don't suffer from injuries resulting from poor ergonomics, said Gary Allread, program director at the Institute for Ergonomics at Ohio State University in Columbus. "In my opinion, there's enough research out there to show that implementing some of these types of controls can significantly reduce workers compensation costs," he said.

Typically, making jobs less difficult for employees also translates