Ergonomics: How Much Is Too Much?
Like many government regulations, understanding ergonomics rules is a little like going through the looking glass into a mysterious world of speculation and uncertainty. Briefly, the term "ergonomics" means fitting the physical demands of the job to the worker in an effort to minimize repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Right now, there are no uniform national rules on ergonomics. At the end of 2000, the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued a set of rules regarding ergonomics that were widely criticized by many business owners as vague and unncecessary. Congress then rescinded these rules in March 2001 in a joint resolution signed by President Bush. Now OSHA is devising industry-specific voluntary guidelines. As of early 2006, they had issued guidelines for nursing homes, poultry-processing facilities, and retail grocery stores.
OSHA's guidelines are entirely voluntary. The agency's current attitude regarding ergonomics is that education and voluntary steps adopted by employers have proved effective at reducing RSIs and MSDs.
A few states, like California, have their own ergonomics regulations or are in the process of developing them (although one state that had adopted ergonomics standards in 2000, Washington, then rescinded them through a voter referendum in 2003). The vast majority of states have no ergonomics regulations at this point.
How much is enough? The current guidelines are flexible and depend entirely on industry custom and practice. If you follow RSI safety standards recognized in your business or industry, you should be okay. OSHA's current policy is to cite employers for "recognized serious hazards, including ergonomic ones." This rule is OSHA's General Duty Clause and is true regardless of the voluntary guidelines regarding ergonomics. In an office context, computer keyboard pads, document holders, keyboard shelves, footrests, wristrests, and supportive and adjustable chairs are some of the recognized techniques for preventing RSIs — though failure to adopt any of these steps would not lead to a citation from OSHA.
Creating an ergonomic office doesn't mean you're compelled to procure top-of-the-line equipment. You're just required to provide properly adjustable equipment designed to minimize the stress that contributes to RSIs.
The information here does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as legal advice. If you have a legal problem, consult an attorney in your area concerning your particular situation and facts. Nothing presented on this site establishes or should be construed as establishing an attorney-client relationship between you and Gregory A. Bonfiglio or the law firm of Morrison and Foerster LLP.
