November 2001

OSHA Could Be Moving Closer to
Announcing Ergonomics Policies

New Orleans, La. - Throughout the opening sessions of a recent American Society of Safety Engineers' (ASSE) Construction Safety Symposium, leaders in the construction industry told attendees how proper training, identifying and reducing hazards, partnering with the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) national and regional officials, implementing and strengthening effective safety programs, and sharing profits with employees have all contributed to reducing injuries and fatalities.

Russell Swanson, director of the OSHA Directorate on Construction Safety Standards, said there is a clear emphasis by OSHA to increase workplace safety by working with employers by providing safety knowledge and education, rather than putting an emphasis on issuing citations.

An audience member asked for an update on the status of the government’s ergonomics program standard, which was passed but then delayed when President George W. Bush took office. Swanson said that before Sept. 11, OSHA was about to announce the next steps on the ergonomics standard. However, in light of the terrorist attacks, much of the agency’s focus has been on New York City and the relief and rebuilding efforts.

Swanson said that perhaps as early as this month or next, the Department of Labor may be coming out with guidance on the ergonomics issue.

OSHA’s policies on ergonomics could have far-reaching implications for doctors of chiropractic who treat workplace injuries, especially for those chiropractors who specialize in preventing injuries as industrial consultants.

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