Opponents Call on OSHA to Drop Ergo Rule

March 14, 2000
At a press conference yesterday, members of the National Coalition on Ergonomics called for OSHA to withdraw its proposed ergonomics regulation as hearings on the rule began just blocks away.

Decrying OSHA's ergonomics regulation as subjective, ambiguous and unmanageable, members of the National Coalition on Ergonomics (NCE) yesterday called for the agency to withdraw its rule, as hearings on the controversial regulation began just blocks away.

At a press conference yesterday morning, NCE members stood next to reams and reams of paper that make up the proposed regulation, and said OSHA needed to rethink its approach.

"Take a look at this and you'll understand our nightmare," said Barbara Hiden, director of federal affairs, National Soft Drink Association and member of the NCE, as she surveyed dozens of binders full of pages of OSHA's proposal.

While much of the debate over OSHA's rule has centered on whether medical and scientific evidence supports it, Stu McMichael, who runs a small print shop, said the rule is out of touch with the real world.

"OSHA's ergonomics rule would force me to become a better doctor than the physicians who treat these injuries and the scientists who research this issue," said McMichael.

McMichael and Jim Wordwoth, who operates a local restaurant, said employees are their most important resource.

"Employers are willing to spend money on proven safety programs," said Wordworth. "This proposed rule could actually result in greater harm by taking away from existing programs."

Public hearings began yesterday in Washington focused on OSHA's ergonomics rule. The NCE is scheduled to testify at those hearings next week.

The NCE is made up of more than 300 associations and businesses, including the Academy of General Dentistry, American Bakers Association, American Small Business Association, American Trucking Associations, Associated Builders and Contractors and Food Distributors International.

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.

Sponsored Recommendations

What is the key difference between OSHAS 18001 vs. ISO 45001

March 13, 2025
Learn about the main differences between OHSAS 18001 and ISO 45001, and how ISO 45001 takes a proactive approach to prevent work-related incidents. Find out why businesses should...

Ensuring a Safer Workplace through a Comprehensive Contractor Qualification Framework

March 13, 2025
Avetta is a leader in contractor management, and with over 15 years of industry experience, we can help you establish a robust contractor pre-qualification program that aligns...

EQT Private Equity to Acquire Avetta from WCAS

March 13, 2025
EQT commits to supporting Avetta in its ongoing growth and innovation journey.

Guide to OSHA Workplace Lighting Requirements

March 13, 2025
Learn OSHA workplace lighting requirements to enhance safety, productivity, and quality. Discover standards, compliance benefits, and risks of non-compliance.

Voice your opinion!

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