May 2002

OSHA to Form National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics

Washington, D.C. - John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health, has announced details about the formation of the National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics. This committee is part of the Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s comprehensive approach to reducing ergonomic-related injuries and illnesses in the workplace.

“Our four-pronged approach for continuing and accelerating the reduction of ergonomic-related injuries and illnesses in the workplace - guidelines, research, outreach and assistance, and enforcement - will benefit from the experience and expertise of the members of this committee,” Henshaw said. “I expect the committee to be a valuable resource in helping OSHA accelerate the decline of these types of injuries.”

The committee will advise on a number of issues involving information on various industry or task-specific guidelines; identification of gaps in the existing research on ergonomics and the application of ergonomic principles to the workplace; current and projected research needs and efforts; methods of providing outreach and assistance that will communicate the value of ergonomics to employers and employees; and ways to increase communication among stakeholders on the issue of ergonomics.

The Committee will consist of 15 members, who will be selected for their expertise and/or experience with ergonomic issues. OSHA will accept nominations from interested parties for membership on the committee. The Committee will report to the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. The details of the nomination procedure are contained in a noticed published in the May 2, 2002, Federal Register.

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