National Safety Council News Release, April 10, 2002

For Immediate Release 							
April 10, 2002	
Contact: Joe Larkin
630-775-2303		
			
National Safety Council Responds To OSHA Ergonomics Plan

Itasca, IL - National Safety Council (NSC) President Alan C. McMillan responded today to the announcement by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) that it will implement a comprehensive ergonomics plan to address workplace musculoskeletal disorders. 

*In its announcement, OSHA declared its intent to establish four fundamental components to its plans to address ergonomics hazards in the workplace - guidelines, enforcement, compliance assistance and research,* McMillan said.  *We are optimistic that this approach, rigorously pursued, will produce effective, targeted results. 
 
*Ergonomics injuries affect many American workers and it was necessary that OSHA take action to address this very real issue. While we recognize and respect that many stakeholders are understandably dissatisfied with OSHA*s plan to issue guidelines rather than regulations,* McMillan said, *it is important to note that other OSHA guidelines have been effective in reducing worker injuries.  The real measure of success will be in the comprehensive nature of the guidelines and the extent to which they are communicated, implemented and enforced.  

*The National Safety Council stands ready to assist OSHA in any way it can to implement this important plan,* McMillan said.  *In particular, NSC may be in position to assist in three areas OSHA identified as key aspects of its ergonomics plan: expanding compliance assistance on ergonomics to employers, providing a specialized focus to Hispanic and other immigrant workers (many of whom work in industries with high ergonomic hazard rates), and identifying current gaps in scientific research and stimulating and encouraging needed ergonomics research.*

The National Safety Council is a not-for-profit, nongovernmental public service organization, Chartered by the U.S. Congress in 1953, and dedicated to protecting life and promoting health.  NSC members represent over 37,500 business and labor organizations, schools, public agencies, private groups and individuals.

#   #   #