The American Chiropractic Association (ACA) applauded the release of OSHA''s final ergonomics ruling saying it is a victory for both the nation''s workers and its health care system.
"Every day, doctors of chiropractic treat patients who are suffering from the effects of their poorly-designed work stations," said Dr. Scott Bautch, president of ACA''s Council on Occupational Health. "These often painful and disabling injuries could be avoided by the recognition of ergonomics issues in the workplace and the implementation of standards dealing with this national epidemic."
ACA noted that repetitive motion injuries (RMI) rank third among all industrial injuries and jobs across the country have become more repetitive in nature, with longer periods of time doing the same or similar tasks.
From sitting in front of a computer for hours on end to material handling and assembly lines, the trend of increasingly repetitive activities within the work environment makes investing in ergonomics and prevention programs not only important for the current workers, but also for the workers of the future, said ACA.
"Preventing injuries and disability is a much better choice than treating injuries and disabilities," said Bautch. "Even if prevention did cost as much as treatment -- although studies do indicate that prevention saves money -- the savings in human suffering must be considered."
by Virginia Sutcliffe