U.S. Chamber Welcomes Full Examination of Ergonomics

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's public forum on ergonomics held today at George Mason University, which opens the door for a more complete examination of the causes of musculoskeletal problems.

"The Chamber applauds OSHA's current efforts to conduct a serious, thorough, and unbiased analysis of the scientific, medical and other evidence underlying ergonomics and individual musculoskeletal complaints," said Willis Goldsmith, a partner with Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue, on behalf of the Chamber. "Moreover, the Chamber wholeheartedly endorses the principles that Secretary Chao has set forth to govern this effort."
Goldsmith criticized the previous ergonomic regulation – proposed by the Clinton administration – for ignoring legitimate scientific debate on ergonomics and musculoskeletal issues. He also pointed out that the rule was unclear and did not provide adequate explanations and standards for employers. Consequently, OSHA inspectors would have had virtually unlimited discretion to arbitrarily impose penalties and costly abatement methods.

The Chamber was a vocal critic of the Clinton administration's proposed standard due to inadequate consideration of comments and the lack of scientific consensus. The medical community, workplace safety experts and scientists have repeatedly questioned the need for ergonomics regulation, according to the Chamber.

"Given the degree of uncertainty surrounding ergonomic injuries, the administration should develop voluntary standards and guidelines that focus on prevention and that are based on sound science," said Goldsmith. "We welcome the opportunity to work with the Labor Department to develop new guidelines for ergonomic problems."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector and region.

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