November 2003

OSHA extends date for ergo research abstracts

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has extended until Dec. 1, 2003, the period for submission of abstracts on scientific research related to preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs).

The submitted abstracts will be used to select speakers for the research symposium to be held in conjunction with the fourth meeting of the National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) next January. OSHA decided that the additional time would benefit the numerous published researchers who have expressed interest in submitting information. The original deadline for submissions was Nov. 5, 2003.

The abstracts should focus on data-driven scientific research concerning the relationship between the workplace and MSDs, such as definitions and diagnoses, cause and work-relatedness, exposure-response relationships, intervention studies, and study design (including research methodology).

Abstracts should also state the topic of the paper, research objective, relevant findings, and conclusion. Submissions should be no more than 600 words and include significant references.

The symposium, entitled Musculoskeletal and Neurovascular Disorders — The State of Research Regarding Workplace Etiology and Prevention, will give committee members an opportunity to hear new and relevant research data from ergonomics experts. The committee will use proceedings from the symposium to make recommendations to advance OSHA's agenda of reducing the incidence of MSDs in the workplace.

To submit an abstract, send a written and electronic copy or disk of the abstract by Dec. 1, 2003, to MaryAnn Garrahan, director, Office of Technical Programs and Coordination Activities, OSHA, U.S. Department of Labor, Room N-3655, 200 Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 20210.

Submissions can be faxed to 202-693-1444. An abstract template is available at http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/ergonomics/nat_advis_comm.html.

NACE is chartered to advise the Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health on issues related to OSHA's approach to reducing ergonomic-related injuries in the workplace -- guidelines, research and, outreach and assistance. The next meeting and symposium is scheduled for Jan. 27 in Washington.

Source: Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Industry News from:
Chiropractic News from: