The political powers the be have decreed that OSHA will not have an Ergonomics Program Standard this year. Does this mean that the term “ergonomics” will go the way of ‘butterfly ballot’ and ‘chad’? No! Is the answer from the National Safety Council and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
ANSI’s Accredited Standards Committee on Control of Cumulative Trauma Disorders (Z365) developed the proposal which closely follows the proposed OSHA standard as well as some state standards concerning ergonomics. If approved, the proposal could serve as a guide for all industries including those that were excluded from OSHA’s proposed standard.
The ANSI proposal would set limits for cumulative trauma affecting workers’ hands, wrists, and forearms. Cumulative Trauma Disorder or CDT will replace OSHA’s term of Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD). The new term is considered to be more descriptive to the nature of the injury.
The proposed standard is titled Management of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders.
A recent press release from the National Safety Council announced that the public comment period for the proposal has been extended until April 13th. To comment on or for more information visit the National Safety Council.