Labor Cool to Ergonomics Rule

The AFL-CIO has given lukewarm support to the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s latest attempt at an ergonomics regulation, which is still opposed by trucking and other industries.

The safety agency has been considering rules on the issue for several years and has developed an outline of proposals. A copy of the draft was obtained by TRANSPORT TOPICS two weeks ago (2-1, p. 1).

Its possible effects alarmed trucking officials, who contend any ergonomics standard is premature due to a lack of scientific research on the exact causes of repetitive stress injuries. Several companies and organizations in the trucking field, such as United Parcel Service and American Trucking Associations, have taken such a stance on the matter.

“It has been our position that any standard needs to be based on sound science, and it seems as though this is just one in an ongoing number of proposals that OSHA has made that all lack some sort of basis in science,” said Tad Segal, a spokesman for Atlanta-based UPS.

Trucking fears the cost of compliance will run into the billions of dollars, but labor does not think OSHA is going far enough.

The AFL-CIO calls the draft a good first step but wants more “proactive measures” in order for the regulations to be effective.

“The draft is moving in the right direction, but we’re concerned that as it’s written, it doesn’t provide an adequate level of protection to workers,” said Peg Seminario, director of occupational safety and health for the AFL-CIO.

For the full story, see the Feb. 15 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.