U.S. Chamber Holds Forum on New Ergonomics Research

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today the U.S. Chamber of Commerce hosted a forum with two nationally known experts on back pain and the use of science in medicine, Dr. Nortin Hadler of the University of North Carolina Hospitals, and Dr. Stan Bigos of the University of Washington Schools of Public Health, and Medicine. Their remarks made clear that scientific studies have shown no benefits from the use of various ergonomic interventions such as the use of back belts, lifting aids, decreased lifting, and education on lifting techniques. Randel Johnson, the Chamber's Vice President of Labor, Immigration, and Employee Benefits offered the following statement on the ergonomics research:

"What we have learned today is that multiple ergonomic interventions have been studied and do not reduce the incidence of back pain. These include the use of back belts, lifting aids, decreased lifting, and education on lifting techniques. Since back pain is the single most raised complaint in the area of workplace ergonomics, the Chamber felt it important to set the record straight on the state of the science and data surrounding this issue. The Chamber believes that science now shows unequivocally that OSHA should not try to regulate ergonomics in the workplace."

The U.S. Chamber is the world's largest business federation, representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

www.uschamber.com/

# # #