UAW Supports Ergonomics Proposal at OSHA Hearings

March 29, 2000
UAW believes American workers need an ergonomics rule in the workplace and it plans on making its position known at the OSHA ergonomics proposal hearings.

Since OSHA's proposed ergonomics standard hearings began in Washington earlier this month, several organizations and corporations have testified against a regulation.

UAW is one of the groups who believes American workers need an ergonomics rule in the workplace and it plans on making its position known at the OSHA hearings.

On Thursday, UAW is scheduled to testify at the hearings. UAW President Stephen P. Yokich said that members of the union will present testimony based on their real life experiences.

"This much-needed ergonomics standard has already been delayed far too long by unfounded self-interested opposition on the part of employers," said Yokich. "The science on this subject couldn't be more clear, and the need couldn't be more pressing -- 600,000 workers each year are hurt due to faulty ergonomics, costing U.S. companies billion in medical costs and lost productivity."

Yokich pointed out that in the auto and auto parts industries alone, a 25 reduction in injuries since 1994 has been achieved. He attributes that number to the fact that UAW has worked with employers to implement effective ergonomics programs.

"Unfortunately, many employers -- especially non-union employers -- still refuse to take action, and others need to do more. That's why we need a strong, comprehensive national standard," said Yokich. "That's what we will be advocating during these OSHA hearings in Washington, Chicago and Portland."

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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