The goal of federal rules that took effect Tuesday is to prevent workplace injuries, but it’s business owners who are smarting.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s new ergonomics regulations require employers to educate workers about on-the-job risks–such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and back strain–and to encourage them to report symptoms.
That’s all that’s required–unless a worker complains about an injury. Then a slew of other rules kicks in.The regulations affect companies in all industries except construction, maritime, railroads and agriculture. Employers have until Oct. 15 to comply. Companies that already have ergonomics programs can be grandfathered in if their programs meet OSHA’s approval.
OSHA estimates the new system will cost U.S. industry $4.5 billion a year. However, some business groups put the annual price tag as high as $100 billion.
Some employers say they support workplace safety but resent the additional expense and bureaucracy.
“This is one more time where government is coming in and telling me exactly how to run my business,” said Bruce O’Donoghue, owner of Control Specialists Co., a small Winter Park, Fla., company that manufactures, sells and installs traffic-engineering systems.
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jwthompson@tribune.com
