Corporate Forum on Ergonomics Standard Formed

Nov. 29, 1999
Industry and the business community plan a forum in response to the ergonomics proposal.

In response to the proposed OSHA ergonomics standard, which was released last week, a wide cross-section of industry and the business community has come together to form a "Forum for a Responsible Ergonomics Standard."

OSHA has set a Feb. 1, 2000 deadline for public comment on the proposed standard. The Forum is being led by legal experts Collier, Shannon, Rill and Scott PLLC, Washington, D.C., and by Exponent Inc., a leading science and engineering firm with expertise in occupational ergonomics.

"The goal of the Forum is to ensure that any mandatory ergonomics standard promulgated by OSHA is scientifically sound and economically feasible," said Kate McMahon-Lohrer of Collier, Shannon, Rill and Scott's environmental, safety and health practice group. "By submitting meaningful, specific and persuasive comments during the public comment period, and by working with the OSHA officials drafting the standard over the next months, we hope to positively shape a workable, feasible ergonomics standard for employers."

Dr. Jeffrey Fernandez Ph.D., PE, CPE, of Exponent will provide occupational ergonomics experience and a scientific footing to the Forum's leadership.

"Although a preliminary look at the proposed standard shows some improvements have been made since the previous draft issued by OSHA last winter, the proposal retains certain provisions that industry will have great difficulty living with, such as the medical removal/ worker restriction provision and the one employee trigger," said McMahon-Lohrer.

According to certain industry representatives, these provisions would cost employers billions of dollars a year and provide no significant increased safety to employees.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!