A Look at OSHA?s Ergonomics Standards

Who’s Covered?

• All general industry employers except railroad operators and those covered by OSHA’s construction, maritime or agricultural standards.

What Injuries Are Targeted?

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) caused by repetition, force, awkward postures, contact stress and vibration. The standard does not address injuries called by slips, trips, falls, vehicle accidents or similar accidents.

Requirements

• All employers must provide employees with basic information about common MSDs and their risk factors, how to report MSDs and the importance of reporting symptoms.

• When an MSD has been reported, employers must determine whether the injury meets the “action triggers,” which are specific standards for repetitive movement, lifting, postures, stress or vibration.

What Then?

• If the MSD-causing activity cannot be corrected in 90 days or if more than two MSDs have been reported in an 18 month period, employers must adopt a full ergonomics program.

• That includes developing a full ergonomics program with employee input, fixing problem jobs, training and follow-up training every three years.

• Employers must provide, at no cost to the employee, access to a health care professional, evaluation and follow-up care, and any temporary work restrictions that are necessary. Employees are entitled to a second opinion by their own health care professional and a dispute process. Injured workers assigned to light duty must receive 100 percent of their previous earnings and full benefits.

Injured workers who are unable to work must receive 90 percent of earnings and full benefits for up to 90 days or until it is determined that he or she can never return to work.

• Employers with 11 or more employees must keep written or electronic records for three years.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Full standards available online at www.osha-slc.gov/ergonomics-standard/ informationkit/index.html.