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NAM Urges Comprehensive Approach to Ergonomics

April 30, 2001

The National Association of Manufacturers said that a "comprehensive and effective approach to ergonomics will take time" and\r\nurged the administration and Congress to avoid a "rush to judgment" on the ergonomics issue.

EHS Today Staff

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said that a "comprehensive and effective approach to ergonomics will take time" and urged the administration and Congress to avoid a "rush to judgment" on the best ways to address ergonomic disorders in the workplace.

A hearing on ergonomics was held April 26, in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services and Education.

"Let''s not make the same mistake twice and rush to develop a new ergonomics regulation that''s just as flawed and ineffective as the one Congress wisely repealed," said NAM Executive Vice President Mike Baroody. "Developing the right approach on ergonomics -- one that leads to safer workplaces -- will take time."

NAM is suggesting that a through review and analysis of all the evidence regarding repetitive stress complaints in the workplace, as well as collaboration with employers and employees, is the best way to create a more safe and healthful working environment.

"As we''ve said before, NAM members have some of the best ergonomics programs in the country, and we welcome the chance to share what we''ve learned with Congress, OSHA and the Department of Labor in order to help develop effective ergonomics measures," concluded Baroody.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

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 IndustryWeek, EHS Today, Material Handling & Logistics, Logistics 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.