On Wednesday, OSHA announced the signing of a new alliance with the American Society of Safety Engineers (ASSE), focused on reducing ergonomics-related injuries in the workplace. According to an OSHA press release, the two groups will, “promote worker safety and health with a focus on reducing ergonomics-related injuries.”
ASSE members with “industry-specific expertise in the ergonomics field” will take part in meetings, stakeholders groups and offer feedback to OSHA regarding ergonomics. Both groups will participate in educational communication with ASSE members regarding ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders. OSHA administrator John Henshaw said in written statement, “Safety and health professionals are the key to further reductions in workplace injuries, illnesses and fatalities. Combining our resources through this Alliance will have a tremendous impact on improved worker safety.”
In an ASSE press release marking the event, ASSE President Mark Hansen, C.S.P., P.E. said, “There is no one-size-fits all approach to ergonomics. That’s why this alliance combined with OSHA’s efforts to establish industry-specific guidelines is so valuable. It can bring together the knowledge of industry and that of workable ergonomic systems.” On Tuesday, ASSE’s member Dr. Carter J. Kerk, PE, CSP, CPE, was also appointed to the OSHA Advisory Committee on Ergonomics.
ASSE is the oldest and largest professional safety organization in the U.S., representing over 30,000 members. The organization already produces books and manuals regarding ergonomics.
Additionally, OSHA recently launched a page on its website to specifically address and answer questions regarding alliances. Information on alliances, their goals and functions, as well as who has developed an alliance with OSHA can be found at http://www.osha.gov/dcsp/alliances/index.html.
Sources: www.OSHA.gov, www.asse.org