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OPA News Release: [04/17/2002]
Contact Name: Sue
Hensley, Bonnie Friedman
Phone Number: 202-693-4676, 202-693-1999
Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces First Set Of Industry-Specific
Ergonomics Guidelines OSHA Reaches Out to Nursing Home Providers and Workers
to Develop Guidelines to Reduce Ergonomics Injuries
WASHINGTON – U.S.
Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced that the first
industry-specific guidelines to reduce ergonomic-related injuries and illnesses
will be developed for nursing homes. Representatives from the field have agreed
to work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to develop a
draft for public comment.
"We are serious about reducing injury and illness rates related to
ergonomics as quickly as possible,” Chao said. “We want to work with
the nursing home profession and workers to develop guidelines to reduce the
level of injuries and illnesses in this industry. Those who have chosen the
nursing home profession are crucial to the quality care of our elderly and
seriously ill family members. These devoted workers who care for our loved ones
merit the care and attention they give others.”
“Nursing home workers suffer back injuries and other
ergonomics-related problems. Our goal is to prevent these types of injuries and
illnesses from occurring,“ said John L. Henshaw, Assistant Secretary of
Labor for Occupational Safety and Health. “I look forward to coordinating
with the profession and workers to develop this first set of industry-specific
guidelines to prevent ergonomics hazards. With the nursing shortage and other
issues confronting this industry, it makes sound business sense for the
stakeholders involved to be the first to tackle ergonomic problems in their
industry.”
The draft guidelines are expected to be ready for public comment later
this year. They will be published in the Federal Register for review before
becoming final.
OSHA announced its comprehensive plan to dramatically reduce ergonomic
injuries on April 5. In addition to industry-and-task-specific guidelines, the
plan includes tough enforcement measures, workplace outreach, advanced research
and dedicated efforts to protect Hispanic and other immigrant workers.
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