North Carolina Drafts Ergonomics Standard

The North Carolina Department of Labor has drafted a proposal for an ergonomics standard that would require employers to inform workers about on-the-job hazards and take corrective action if an employee suffers a repetitive-stress injury.

The standard would cover all repetitive-stress injuries, including carpal tunnel syndrome, eye strain or back injuries "that may be caused or aggravated by work." The standard would apply to all employees, including contingent and temporary workers, who may be exposed to a work-related repetitive motion injury within 90 days of employment.

Stuart Flatow, American Trucking Associations’ director of occupational safety, said North Carolina’s proposal is vague and open-ended. "There is nothing wrong with early intervention, but there has to be a link between the activity and the injury or illness," he said.

The proposal wants employers to encourage workers to notify the company immediately of ergonomic disorders. This refers to "any unexplained pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, or loss of function in any body part, whether or not it occurs at work."

To address problems, a company could reassign a worker, change the way work is performed or provide adequate breaks to reduce the impact of repetitive stress, the draft states. Employers would be responsible for providing medical care.

Many industries, including trucking, argue there is not enough scientific data to support an ergonomics standard. "We may see an epidemic of mandates based on faulty information or incomplete data, at both the state and federal level," Mr. Flatow said.

For the full story, see the Nov. 30 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.