In November of 2000 OSHA released the final version of a new federal ergonomics standard. This hotly debated standard was later repealed by Congress in 2001. In its place, OSHA was directed to develop alternate proposals to deal with the growing problem of repetitive motion injuries. On April 4, 2004 Secretary of Labor Elaine Chao announced OSHA's new approach to ergonomics which involved several initiatives.

One of the most important was the formation of a National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE). This 15 member committee was chartered for two years of service on November 27, 2002 and directed to provide advice and recommendations on ergonomic guidelines, research, public outreach and assistance. The committee received testimony from business leaders, labor representatives and the academic community. They also sponsored a research symposium.

On November 19, 2004 OSHA released the committee's final recommendations. To see this report go to the OSHA webpage at www.osha.gov. A summary of their major conclusions follows.

Key Findings/Recommendations

1. Consensus on what specifically defines a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) still does not exist.
2. Ergonomics should be part of an overall safety and health program and integrated into business processes.
3. MSDs are caused by a variety of factors. Exact causes cannot be pinpointed and the effectiveness of ergonomic interventions cannot always be predicted. However a number of existing tools and methods exist that may be useful in reducing exposures.
4. These injuries often have non-occupational components and the workforce should be educated about these non-occupational factors.
5. Ergonomics can be beneficially used in the design of jobs and the workplace.

Zenith's Safety & Health employees are experts in evaluating ergonomic exposures and assisting our customers in addressing them. More information is available in the ergonomics section. You may also call your local Zenith regional office and talk to a Safety & Health consultant for additional help.