In a workplace safety article written by Jennifer Anderson titled “Michigan Regulatory Commission Advances Mandatory Ergonomics Standard”, Jennifer describes exactly what the mandatory ergonomics standard could entail for Michigan business owners.

Currently in the draft stage, the ergonomics standard requires:

• All employees to be given ergonomics training covering occupational risk factors for material safety data sheets, symptoms, and reporting procedures
• Employers to be responsible for involving employees, assessing risk factors, and eliminating, reducing or controlling ergonomic hazards “where economically and technically feasible”
• Employers with an existing “effective ergonomic program” are to be examined for prior compliance with the requirements

Those in favor of the standard contend that it will increase workplace safety by reducing preventable injuries that cost employers millions in worker compensation and lost time.  Those who are opposed believe that it will raise the cost of doing business at a time when employers are struggling.  The Michigan Worker’s Compensation Bureau estimated that ergonomics-related hazards accounted for about 40 percent of the claims paid in the state during 2006 and 2007.

For the time being, California is the only state with its own ergonomics rules.  The federal government has voluntary ergonomics guidelines.  However the unanimous vote by the General Industry Safety Standards Commission and the Occupational Health Standards Commission increases the odds that the standard will be passed.  Public hearings will be held before the rule can be formally adopted by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).  However, the ergonomic standard could be in place in as little as six months.

Anderson, Jennifer. “Michigan Regulatory Commission Advances mandatory Ergonomics Standard”.  Ergoweb.

Filed under: Workplace Tips by Beth Faraci