AAOHN Supports Release of Proposed Ergonomics Standard

Nov. 30, 1999
AAOHN President comments on the long-awaited release of OSHA's ergonomics proposal.

The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses Inc. (AAOHN) released a statement in support of the OSHA release of a proposed ergonomics standard.

AAOHN President Deborah V. DiBenedetto, MBA, RN, ABDA, said employee advocates have long awaited release of this proposal, which is occurring now that legislative attempts to block its release failed.

"AAOHN supports, in concept, OSHA's efforts to promulgate a standard to prevent ergonomic-related injuries," explained DiBenedetto. "While we do not have specific comments, the association supports development of a standard, which will be of benefit to both business and the national workforce."

AAOHN's 12,000 occupational health nurses provide on the job health care to the nation's workers. DiBenedetto said an ergonomic standard will help ensure consistent effective programs and provide equal protections for those employees whose companies may not already realize the benefits of a worksite ergonomics program.

"Employers have reported that up to 40 percent of lost-time cases are musculoskeletal in nature, many of which are the result of ergonomic injuries. Businesses are spending $111 billion a year on workers' compensation claims which includes lost wages and medical care, most of which are associated with ergonomic injuries. Ergonomics preventative measures have been proven to save companies money, while ensuring the health and safety of employees," said DiBenedetto.

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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