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Jordan Barab, acting head of OSHA, told a web-chat audience on Monday that his agency currently does not have plans to implement ergonomics regulations for U.S. workplaces.
But Mr. Barab repeated past statements that “musculoskeletal injuries are one of the biggest worker health and safety problem in this country.” Mr. Barab also said addressing the issue will be one of the “highest priorities” for David Michales.
The Senate on Dec. 3 confirmed Mr. Michaels, President Obama's nominee, to become the assistant secretary for OSHA. He will be sworn in this week, U.S. Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced on Monday.
Mr. Barab said during Monday's discussion on OSHA's regulatory agenda that he will remain at the agency, returning to his permanent job there as deputy assistant secretary.
Part of the Labor Department’s regulatory agenda includes pushing for the adoption of a proposal that would require employers to keep extensive records of musculoskeletal injuries.
Mr. Barab was asked later during Monday's discussion whether OSHA would consider an industry-specific ergonomics standard, such as one for safe patient handling, presumably for hospitals.
“There are many options that OSHA might consider if the agency decides to pursue rulemaking in this area,” Mr. Barab responded. “Industry specific standards is one option that would be considered.”
So “at this time” OSHA does not have plans for an ergonomics standard, Mr. Barab said. But it also sounds like it could be just a matter of time. If not, come right out and tell us that.
Mr. Barab's entire web chat is available here
OSHA issued an ergonomics standard during the last weeks of the Clinton administration. But Congress under president Bush later rescinded it. The idea wasn't popular with insurers or employers.