DATELINE: WASHINGTON, Oct. 5 - Making the Business Case for Safety and Health, a new Safety and Health Topic, is a product of several Alliances with OSHA, including the American Industrial Hygiene Association, American Society of Safety Engineers, National Federation of Independent Business, among others. Information on the page focuses on how a comprehensive safety program can help an employer save money and improve business.
"OSHA continues to seek ways to offer services and programs that assist and guide employers on the responsible path to occupational safety and health," said OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke. "This new Safety and Health Topics page serves as a 'one stop shopping' tool for information on how investing in workplace safety and health can improve a company's productivity and bottom line.
"The Making the Business Case for Safety and Health Topics page contains direct links to resources showing the costs of workplace injuries and illnesses, economic benefits of workplace safety and health and how accounting for employee safety in the design stage of a project can result in fewer injuries and illnesses and increased productivity. The Topics page has a number of additional resources, including success stories, case studies and tools for getting started on improving safety and health in the workplace.
OSHA's Web site includes approximately 200 Safety and Health Topics pages on various workplace issues -- from accident investigation to workplace violence. The subjects of the pages include specific workplace hazards, as well as individual industries, and provide assistance for complying with OSHA standards.-----Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees.
Effective today, employers in the construction industry may apply to participate in the newest component of OSHA's premier cooperative program-the Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP) Mobile Workforce Demonstration for Construction . The initiative was first announced in July by OSHA Administrator Ed Foulke who said it "recognizes those construction companies that should be held up as models of safety and health for the rest of the industry." Eligible applicants include those who have operated within the construction industry for at least three years. Details on how to apply are available on OSHA's VPP Web site; interested parties are also encouraged to contact OSHA's Regional VPP managers.
A survey of nearly 700 office workers in the United States, the study revealed that more than half (64 percent) of Americans believe they know the definition of the word ergonomics, however, only 20 percent actually do know the correct definition. Additionally, only 36 percent of younger respondents (18-24) believe they know what the term means versus 74 percent of those between 45 and 54.
Regardless of age and confidence in defining the term, the vast majority could not accurately define ergonomics, according to Steelcase Inc., which conducted the survey. Nineteen percent of respondents believe the phrase "human engineering" is the most accurate definition, while 17 percent believe "health and safety" is the most precise. Additional choices included "maximized productivity" (11 percent), "best in comfort" (10 percent) and "reduced fatigue" (8 percent). Only 20 percent of respondents accurately identified that all of these aspects contribute to the definition of ergonomics, Steelcase stated.
While there is confusion among workers as to the exact meaning of ergonomics, it is clear that they are aware of its importance:
While most workers seem to understand the need for ergonomics in the workplace, it is unclear if employers feel the same, according to Steelcase. Of workers participating in the study, more than 40 percent feel that their office does not provide sufficient ergonomic options in the workplace.
"Years of research has shown us that providing ergonomically sound furniture is a fundamental first step in providing employees a better physical experience at work, which can subsequently benefit the company in terms of efficiency and productivity," said David Trippany, corporate ergonomist for Steelcase. "This survey reveals that there is discrepancy between the importance workers place on ergonomic solutions and their understanding of the topic. This indicates a clear opportunity for organization and worker education about ergonomics and how ergonomic solutions can benefit people at work and, in turn organizations, by reducing worker injuries and illnesses and potentially increasing individual efficiency levels."
Respondents identified that their computer or keyboard area and their desk chair are in need of the most ergonomic improvement (34 percent). Alternative areas that need improvement are general seating (24 percent), tables in secondary areas (20 percent) and cubicle design (16 percent).
Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) is working to showcase ergonomics best-practices of employers throughout the state. The following pages show examples of inventive ways employers and employees are working to reduce the risks of musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace.
Currently, there is no specific Minnesota or federal ergonomics regulation; however, employers have an obligation to correct recognized ergonomics hazards causing or likely to cause injury to employees. The best-practices ideas featured here can help other facilities accomplish this obligation by providing examples from other worksites, which may also help generate ideas for reducing risk-factors in other work tasks.
The following photos of imminent danger situations were taken by Minnesota OSHA staff members during 2004 and 2005. An imminent danger is any condition or practice that presents a substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could occur immediately or before the danger can be eliminated through normal enforcement procedures. MNOSHA becomes aware of these situations through reports received from employees, the general public or direct observation by an investigator.
For more information about the ASSE Northwest Chapter, please contact:
Chapter President
William R. "Bill" Stuart
Phone: 612-671-8431
Website Editor
Richard "Rick" Johnson
Phone: 763-551-1022