The occupational safety and health administration's role in ergonomics

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Swath-Helgeland, Patricia L.^;

Affiliations: 2015 Derdall Drive, Brookings, SD 57006, USA

Note: [] Corresponding author. Tel.: + 1 605 692 8338.

Abstract: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has developed a draft Ergonomic Protection Standard. The goal of having such a standard is to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders or reduce the severity of such injuries. The guidelines address identification of problem jobs, control of risk factor exposures, ergonomic design, training and documentation. How businesses and employees will be affected if the draft becomes a guideline is addressed in this paper. Also addressed is the possible role that occupational therapists may play in ergonomics if such a guideline is implemented.

Keywords: OSHA Ergonomic Standards, Signal risk factors, Work related musculoskeletal disorders

DOI: 10.3233/WOR-1997-8211

Journal: Work, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 201-208, 1997