The report didn't satisfy critics and the NRC was asked to do a two-year study of musculoskeletal disorders and the workplace. Ann Mavor, project director, said the current study is more extensive, looking at the epidemiology, basic science and primary and secondary intervention issues. NRC has held five meetings thus far with presentations from business, labor and government. In the comment letter to OSHA, Dr. D'Ambrosia said AAOS believes there are various factors that make it difficult to determine the direct relationship of an injury to work. For instance, musculoskeletel disorders can occur under a variety of work conditions, but they do not occur in all individuals under the same conditions.
Disorders can vary in intensity and frequency among individuals for reasons unrelated to work.
They can be caused or exacerbated by activities performed outside of work. The research should also provide information on the relationship between the degree of different mechanical stressors and the biological response. AAOS is concerned about the subjective nature of OSHA's list of specific musculoskeletal disorders and symptoms. The rule confuses various aches and pains with musculoskeletal disorders, said Dr. D'Ambrosia.