Economically correct.

• Author: Ho, John S.
• Position: MIND & BODY

ERGONOMICS is the study of people's efficiency in their working environment. From the perspective of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration--created in 1971 by Pres. Richard Nixon--it is the process of designing the job to fit the employee, rather than forcing the employee's body to fit the job. This process may include modifying tasks, the work environment, and equipment to meet the specific needs of an employee to alleviate physical stress on the body and eliminate potentially disabling work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). The overall goal is to prevent injuries and disorders associated with the overuse of soft tissues, e.g., muscles or tendons, awkward posture, and repeated tasks. Such common injuries include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and other sprains and strains.

As some may recall, ergonomics was a very hot topic for OSHA in the 1990s. In 2000, OSHA estimated that one dollar of every three dollars spent on workers' compensation stemmed from ergonomic issues, and that the direct costs attributable to MSDs were $15,000,000,000 to $20,000,000,000 a year, with total annual costs upwards of $54,000,000,000.

OSHA began an ergonomics rule-making process in 1992 and started drafting an ergonomics standard in 1995 that eventually culminated in the issuance of an Ergonomics Program Standard on Nov. 4, 2000, which became effective on Jan. 16, 2001. The new rule generally contained requirements for most nonconstruction employers to identify and abate MSDs. Not surprisingly, there was strong criticism by various industry and business groups about the regulations, which focused on, among other things, mandatory compliance, cost, and tension with state workers' compensation laws. On March 20, 2001, Pres. George W. Bush signed Senate Joint Resolution 6, which repealed the new standard.

Since the repeal, OSHA has addressed ergonomics in a number of ways, including issuing guidelines for various industries. OSHA guidelines contain recommendations, best practices, and lessons learned for specific industries. In other words, guidelines are advisory and do not create new employer obligations. These guidelines include such industries as retail grocery stores, shipyards, nursing homes, foundries, beverage distribution, poultry processing, and meatpacking plants.

Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that ergonomics remains a costly issue for businesses, as these types of injuries account for one-third of...