Jeffress Says: 'Time to Act Now' on MSDs

April 14, 2000
Calling the science sound and the problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders the most widespread occupational hazard facing the nation, OSHA Administrator Charles N. Jeffress said a standard is needed now.

As the debate about OSHA's proposed ergonomics standard continued during a hearing in Chicago, the agency's administrator told a congressional subcommittee in Washington, D.C., the "time to act is now" regarding musculoskeletal disorders.

Calling the science sound and the problem of work-related musculoskeletal disorders the most widespread occupational hazard facing the nation, OSHA Administrator Charles N. Jeffress said that after 10 years of studying the problem, OSHA believes an ergonomics standard is needed.

Jeffress testified yesterday before the Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform and Paperwork Reduction of the House Small Business Committee.

He said OSHA's proposed ergonomics standard would prevent about 3 million work-related injuries over 10 years and save $9.1 billion each year.

The nation currently spends $15 to $20 billion each year for 600,000 injuries serious enough to cause workers to miss work.

"The human dimension of this problem is striking. This debate is about real people confronting real risks to their livelihood, health and well-being," said Jeffress.

He shared stories of workers who have suffered devastating and irreparable injuries that have stricken them both physically and financially.

On the other hand, he also pointed to companies that have found that "good ergonomics is often good economics" and saved money while reducing musculoskeletal disorders among their workers.

Many solutions to fix problem jobs, Jeffress said, are easy and inexpensive and simply employ common sense.

Jeffress stressed the efforts OSHA has made in developing the proposal to accommodate the unique needs of small business.

He outlined an outreach plan to assist smaller employers in meeting the requirements of the standard once it is adopted.

Reviewing the history of OSHA's efforts to address ergonomics, Jeffress described the agency's two-year process of consulting stakeholders and small businesses.

He pointed out numerous changes made in draft versions of the proposal in response to concerns raised by these groups.

Jeffress also noted that during its ongoing nine-week hearing on ergonomics, OSHA is giving hearing participants an opportunity to question agency staff and expert witnesses as well as other participants.

"OSHA believes it has provided sufficient time for this questioning, not all of which has been used," said Jeffress.

The public has more than eight months to provide input on the ergonomics proposal including the comment period, hearing and post hearing comment period.

Jeffress concluded that "Companies that have worked to prevent these injuries with sound ergonomics programs have often improved productivity, drastically reduced workers' compensation costs and improved job satisfaction. OSHA believes that the same opportunity for a safer workplace must be extended to other workers whose livelihoods and careers remain at risk."

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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