September 4, 2001 is the final date for comments to be filed with the OSHA Docket office in regards to new record keeping rules that may eliminate the recording of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
The Department has proposed to delay for one year the record keeping rule’s definition of “MSD” and the requirement that employers check the MSD column on the OSHA Log. The Department has announced its intention to develop a comprehensive plan to address ergonomic hazards and has scheduled a series on ergonomics. The issues to be decided as a result of these forums include the appropriate definitions of the terms “ergonomic injury” and MSD.
Labor Secretary Chao has said, “Until a definition is agreed upon, the data collected will not help us target the injuries that need to be eliminated.”
Previous data recorded on MSDs concluded that over 580,000 such disorders were sustained in 1999.
Those who wish to comment, for or against, may contact:
Docket Officer, Docket R-02A, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, Room N2625, U.S. Department of Labor, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 20210.
Ten pages or less may be faxed to (202) 693-1648.