Based on the level of attention the proposed requirements are receiving, most people probably feel the standard is really going to become law. But remember, OSHA's proposed standard is just that, a proposal and not a final rule. And this is a presidential election year, too. Politics being what they are, the odds are very long that the proposal will be finalized this year. In any case, deadlines for full compliance may not be until 2002 or 2003.
Critics argue that ergonomic injuries and solutions lack scientific evidence.
Don't spend too much time with this debate, the science is real and critics are losing the argument. Ergonomics requirements will affect 27 million workers at 1.9 million worksites, according to agency estimates. In comparison, OSHA's hazard communication standard impacts more than 32 million workers in more than 3 million workplaces. The claim that the proposal is overly complex depends on your point of view, and your progress to date implementing ergonomics. Use the Internet OSHA's Web site offers the best way to learn about proposed requirements.