Remember that scene in Poltergeist? The TV goes all fuzzy and the little blond girl, Carol Anne gets that blanked out expression on her face and announces They’re Here…!!” I can imagine US employers are feeling that same eerie, creepy feeling right now about OSHA’s new movement into the Ergonomic space.
This type of employer concern and pushback should be expected (check out article link from Business Insurance) – business sees OSHA’s push for increased reporting of MSD’s (Musculoskeletal Disorders) in the workplace as a very SLIPPERY SLOPE. First reporting, then perhaps…..REGULATION? The R Word.
Take a deep breath. This is only about data collection right now…and to bottom line it, this data is necessary. Cumulative trauma disorders / MSD’s have been unreported and under-reported by American business for years. Visibility to the aggregate impacts and costs of this injury category will open some eyes; MSD injuries drives down America’s productivity and drives up healthcare costs.
Business fears that increased MSD scrutiny will add an additional layer of cost is understandable but unfounded. Proactive, ergonomic interventions reduce injury and lower costs. ERGONOMICS will reduce their costs. Get it out in the open, document what is there and deal with it.
Face it….They’re HERE.
Employers wary of changes in approach, focus at OSHA | Business Insurance.
The ERGOLAB for Ergonomic Office Furniture and Humanscale Products 