AAOHN supports OSHA on ergonomics standard
September 1, 1999 2 minutes read
AAOHN supports OSHA on ergonomics standard
The American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN) in Atlanta supports, in concept, federal safety officials’ efforts to promulgate a standard to prevent ergonomic-related injuries, according to Yvonne Matherne, AAOHN communications manager.
While AAOHN has not yet submitted official comments on the proposed draft released by the agency this past spring, the association’s leaders believe the agency should be allowed to continue work on the development of a standard, which they say will benefit business and the national work force.
"As occupational health nurses who provide on-the-job health care to our nation’s workers, our 12,000 members are committed to providing safe, comprehensive work site health and safety services in both large and small business settings," Matherne says. "In fact, many businesses have already implemented effective programs to reduce ergonomic injuries. However, a standard designed to protect workers from musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses is needed to help ensure consistent effective programs and to provide equal protections for those employees whose companies may not already realize the benefits of a work site ergonomics program."
She points out that ergonomics problems are real and must be addressed and notes that the most recently released data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the average work time for repetitive motion disorders exceeds lost time for injuries involving amputation of a limb. "Our nation’s workers are suffering from the effects of poorly designed work processes, but American businesses are also suffering from the effects of ergonomic-related injuries through loss of productivity from lost work time and extraordinary workers’ compensation costs."
AAOHN leaders contend it is important that OSHA be allowed to move forward with development of a standard, Matherne says. Contrary to many of those who oppose the proposed ergonomic standard, AAOHN says sufficient scientific evidence exists to warrant such a standard.
"The agency can already enforce health and safety violations under the general duty clause. A specific standard can provide additional clarity for employers as to what is expected of them, as long as the rulemaking is not onerous and is well-crafted." Matherne says. "This can only occur if the businesses, associations, and the general public work with the agency to help shape the standard through participation in the rulemaking process. AAOHN has participated in numerous stakeholder meetings with the agency and plans to continue to participate in any future efforts to promulgate a standard to protect our nation’s work force from ergonomic-related injuries."
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