OSHA and Ergonomics: Industry Specific Guidelines Vs. Specific, Mandated Regulations

Introduction

"In 2004, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for one-third of all workplace injuries" ("Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect," 2006). As time passes, more is discovered about how these injuries occur and what can be done to prevent them; this process is referred to as ergonomics. Dr. Lawrence Schulze, a certified Professional Ergonomist, defines ergonomics as "the evaluation, design and/or redesign of facilities, work stations, work areas, job tasks, to accommodate the work to the worker, rather than having the worker have to accommodate to the work environment, the work station, tools in the work area" (Secretary of Labor v. Dayton Tire, Bridgestone/Firestone, 1998). Ergonomics are a major tool used by organizations to help in the prevention of cumulative trauma disorders in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Act passed by Congress in 1970 does not currently have specific regulations governing workplace safety relating to ergonomics. Some voluntary guidelines exist relating directly to the meat packing industry and a few other specific industries, but the violations noted relating to musculoskeletal disorders are prosecuted under the Occupational Safety and Health Act's General Duty Clause. The Occupational Safety and Health Act's lack of specific ergonomic regulations equates to findings that are less enforceable and easier for organizations to fight and win in court; however specific ergonomic regulations attempted have been rejected by Congress and proven too difficult and expensive to enforce.

The General Duty Clause