NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Comments to DOL(Department of Labor) on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration Proposed Rule on Ergonomic Safety and Health Management by R. W. Niemeier, August 24, 1993

摘要

The testimony provided further comments on the three tiered hierarchy of controlsoutlined in the ergonomics program management guidelines published by OSHA in 1990 as an intervention strategy for the control of ergonomic hazards. Each of the three controls identified in that document, engineering/ergonomic controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment, were described and discussed. The implementation of an ergonomic training program using the steps outlined in the OSHA voluntary training guidelines published in 1992 was described as well. Examples of ergonomic interventions in work situations involving the performance of repetitive tasks, force and/or mechanical stress or vibration exposure, or poor posture or psychosocial stresses were outlined. Tables describing the effectiveness of engineering controls designed to decrease exposure to ergonomic risk factors, control strategies to reduce musculoskeletal injuries, and the effectiveness of ergonomics training were presented.