We must put ergonomic principles and design into new jobs and minimize the ergonomic risk factors on existing jobs. And workers have to be involved in this process. Workers provide the detailed knowledge achieved only by doing the job. They have eight hours per day to think about how the job could be improved. That feedback rarely makes it back to the process or design engineer.
High performance means closing the feedback gap through continuous worker input.
We will propose a broad performance-oriented rule with specific guidance in certain areas. Compliance assistance documents will be provided. User-friendly appendices will address how to get started with an effective ergonomics management program, the process of improving jobs, medical management, and training. As I indicated earlier, we will welcome your suggestions on how the proposed standard can be adapted to meet the needs of small businesses, without denying their employees necessary safety and health protection. In each case, we believe that the building block standard will not only strengthen the safety and health protection of the workers, but make it easier for employers to provide effective protection.