OSHA program sparks ire of ergonomics group

The National Coalition on Ergonomics is irate regarding what it is calling a "back door" ergonomic guideline being enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

In a Feb. 12 news release, the coalition declared that OSHA is disregarding Congress and the medical profession by continuing to pursue an ergonomic guide-line.

NCE called for national leaders to reevaluate OSHA's latest action regarding ergonomics.

"OSHA's record on ergonomics makes a sham of the entire regulatory process," said David Sarvadi, spokesman for the NCE, in the release.

"OSHA is trying to skirt a congressional mandate and the urgings of lawmakers for research before creation of an ergonomic regulation."

NCE's characterization of OSHA's recent enforcement efforts as promulgation of a "back door" ergonomic guideline is related to the agency's Cooperative Compliance Program.

"Congress banned OSHA from enforcing ergonomic guidelines, yet the agency has begun an aggressive so-called 'voluntary' enforcement program called the Cooperative Compliance Program, in which compliance with OSHA's ergonomic prescriptions could determine whether an employee is 'cooperating,'" Sarvadi said in the release.

Meanwhile, the release stated, repetitive stress injuries reported in American workplaces have declined 15 percent in the last two years.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, such injuries comprise less than 5 percent of all reported workplace injuries and illnesses.

"Physicians have been telling us that more research is needed to deter-

mine what causes repetitive stress injuries, what could cure them and what steps could prove to be preventative," Sarvadi stated.

Repetitive-stress disorders include carpal tunnel syndrome.

Sarvadi added, "The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons recently issued a report which concluded that more research on the medical questions is needed. Congress reinforced the need for more research when it told OSHA not to spend money this fiscal year enforcing ergonomic guidelines.

"But OSHA appears intent upon regulating first, and asking scientific questions later," he said.

NCE represents more than 300 associations and companies. These companies include: National Association of Manufacturers, American Dental Association, National Association of Home Builders, National Federation of Independent

Business and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.