OSHA has withdrawn from review a proposal to restore a column for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on the employer injury and illness log. The decision was made because the agency found that it needed greater input from small businesses on the impact the proposal would have on them. The agencies outreach to small businesses will take place in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy. Meetings will be held to engage and listen to small businesses about the MSDs column proposal. Details of the meetings will be announced soon affording small businesses around the country an opportunity to participate in the forums.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels said, “Work-related musculoskeletal disorders remain the leading cause of workplace injury and illness in this country, and this proposal is an effort to assist employers and OSHA in better identifying problems in workplaces”. Although the proposal is an important step in identifying problems in the workplace as stated by Dr. Michaels, efforts to meet the needs of all businesses is a concern. The active dialogue between the agency and the small business community is a necessary element in the review process.
Visit the U.S. DOL’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration website at http://www.osha.gov/ for further developments as small business and stakeholder meetings take place in the coming weeks.