More than a century after American factory owners began cutting costs by having their employees adopt the methodical physical motions prescribed by management consultant Frederick Taylor, the federal government finally is making industry responsible for informing workers about the health risks of performing repetitive tasks. Ergonomics is a public health issue that has wide ramifications for almost all workers. The main intent of the standards is to prevent injuries, and if businesses work with their employees to properly implement them, we'll see a happier and healthier work environment.
Companies have three years to implement an education and reporting system.
In addition, the employer of an individual who sustains a debilitating musculoskeletal injury at work now must supplement the workers' compensation, private insurance, or wages from another job so the employee receives at least 90 percent of his or her original wages for up to six months. Previously, OSHA had ergonomics regulations only for the meat-packing industry. Industry estimates for adhering to the standards are dramatically higher, however, and the battle to make ergonomics a major safety concern in the American workplace is far from over. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed a lawsuit against OSHA to stop the regulations. In addition, Jacobs says that many observers believe the incoming George W. Bush administration will cut OSHA's funding next year, making it difficult to enforce the new regulations.