Here is the ergonomics legislation from
USA
The information here was collated from publicly available online sources by Ergo Global ergonomist, Fiona Tan. Some parts may have been edited for clarity or layout.
The Duties of
The Employer
All employers covered under the OSH Act must ensure that workers are protected from recognized hazards that may cause dealth or serious physical harm, which includes ergonomics hazards.
To protect their workers, OSHA recommends that employers implement an ergonomics process with the following elements:
- Management Commitment - Management should define the goals, objectives and steps for the ergonomic process, discuss them with their workers, assign responsibilities to designated staff, and communicate clearly with the workforce.
- Involve Workers - Encourage workers to participate in worksite assessments, solution development and implementation.
- Hazard Assessments - Identify ergonomic risk factors at each task or job through hazard assessments or job hazard analysis.
- Implement Solutions to Control Hazards - There are many possible solutions that can be implemented to reduce, control, or eliminate workplace MSDs.
- Provide Training - Training ensures that workers are aware of ergonomics and its benefits, become informed about ergonomics related concerns in the workplace, and understand the importance of reporting early symptoms of MSDs.
- Encourage Early Reporting of MSD Symptoms - Early reporting can accelerate the job assessment and improvement process, helping to prevent or reduce the progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries, and subsequent lost-time claims. Ensure injured workers receive care from a healthcare provider who is trained and experienced in treating MSDs within the scope of their license. OSHA’s injury and illness recording and reporting regulation (29 CFR Part 1904) require employers to record and report work-related fatalities, injuries and illnesses.
- Evaluate the Ergonomic Process and Progress - Evaluation and corrective action procedures are needed to periodically assess the effectiveness of the ergonomic process and to ensure its continuous improvement and long-term success.
The Duties of
The Employee
Each employee shall comply with occupational safety and health standards and all rules, regulations, and orders issued pursuant to this Act which are applicable to his own actions and conduct.
Penalties
$16,550 per violation
If the type of violation is Failure to Abate:
$16,550 per day beyond the abatement date
If the type of violation is Willful or Repeated:
$165,514 per violation
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