Workplace rules: A breakdown
BASIC PROGRAM
(For employers with manual handling or manufacturing production jobs)
Management leadership and employee participation
- Name someone to be responsible for ergonomics and to supply resources and training for the program
- Be sure company policies do not discourage employees from reporting problems and let employees know how they can be involved in the ergonomics program
Hazard information and reporting
- Provide information periodically to employees on:
— Ergonomics risk factors (force, repetition, awkward postures, static postures, contact stress, vibration, cold temperatures)
— Signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders
— Importance of reporting signs and symptoms early to prevent damage and how to file reports
— Requirements of this standard
- Set up a system for employees to report signs and symptoms of MSDs
- Respond promptly to reports
QUICK FIX
(For problems that can be fixed right away)
- Promptly care for an injured employee
- Work with employees to eliminate MSD hazard within 90 days
- Verify that the fix worked within another 30 days
- Keep a record of Quick Fix controls
- Establish a full ergonomics program if the fix fails or another MSD of the same type occurs within 36 months
FULL PROGRAM
(For employers with a covered MSD. Includes the Basic Program, plus . . .)
Job hazard analysis and control
- Analyze problem jobs for ergonomics risk factors
- Work with employees to eliminate or materially reduce MSD hazards using engineering, administrative and/or work practice controls
- Use personal protective equipment to supplement other controls
- Track progress and when jobs change, identify and evaluate MSD hazards
Training
- Train employees in jobs with covered MSDs, their supervisors, and staff responsible for ergonomics program
- Teach recognition of MSD hazards, the ergonomics program at the site, and control measures used to reduce hazards
- Conduct training initially, periodically, and at least every three years at no cost to the employees and in a language they understand (e.g., Spanish)
MSD management
(For workers who have covered MSDs)
- Provide prompt response to an injured employee and access to a health care professional, if needed, for evaluation, management, and follow-up at no cost to the employee
- Provide information to the health care professional about the job, the MSD hazards, and the ergonomics standards
- Obtain a written opinion from the health care professional on how to manage the employee’s recovery and ensure that the health care professional shares it with the worker
- Provide necessary work restrictions and work restriction protection (WRP) during the recovery period (100% pay and benefits for employees put on light duty; 90% pay and 100% benefits for employees who must be removed from work) WRP benefits last until the employee can return to work OR the MSD hazards are fixed OR six months have passed, whichever comes first. WRP can be offset by workers compensation or similar benefits
Program evaluation
- Evaluate the program periodically, at least every three years
- Consult with employees on program effectiveness and deficiencies
- Correct any deficiencies.
Record keeping
(For employers with 10 or more employees)
- Retain most records for only three years
GRANDFATHER CLAUSE
(Employers who already have developed ergonomics programs won’t need to begin again, provided that their ergonomics programs. . .)
- Meet the basic obligations and record-keeping requirements of the standard
- Were implemented and evaluated before the standard became effective
- Are eliminating or materially reducing MSD hazards
Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Washington, DC.
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