While we appreciate the developing COVID-19 situation globally, employers must look back and ensure they are travelling on the same road as the government towards making the business and country safe. In this blog, we will discuss US ergonomics requirements, key legislation and guidelines to be followed in the United States of America as it overcomes the ever-challenging COVID-19 development globally.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is the arm of the US Department of Labour, policing the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, to ensure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
There is currently no legislation governing the applicable use of ergonomics in the workplace however there is an Ergonomics Standard designed by OSHA which is effective since 16 Jan 2001. Although guidelines are advisory and do not create new employer obligations, employers still have a duty under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, Section 5. Duties—General Duty Clause, where employers;
(1) shall furnish to each of his employees’ employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.
(2) shall comply with occupational safety and health standards promulgated under this Act.
The Ergonomics Standard provides useful information to prevent Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) at the workplace, which affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons caused by lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing, and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures, and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. WRMSDs are also referred to as cumulative trauma disorders, repetitive strain injuries, or repetitive motion illnesses.
All businesses based in the United States of America are to abide by the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. The Act requires all employers to undertake several duties of which some of the key ones highlighted here:
President Trump has unveiled Guidelines for Opening Up America Again, a three-phased approach based on the advice of public health experts. These steps will help state and local officials when reopening their economies, getting people back to work, and continuing to protect American lives.
Develop and implement appropriate policies, in accordance with Federal, State, and local regulations and guidance, and informed by industry best practices, regarding:
Monitor workforce for indicative symptoms. Do not allow symptomatic people to physically return to work until cleared by a medical provider.
Develop and implement policies and procedures for workforce contact tracing following employee COVID+ test.
Keeping updated with legal updates is as important as having to comply with them. It is a chargeable offence to be non-compliant which can result with penalty along with jail term depending on the severity of the event.
How can Fit for Work help?
To learn more about setting up or managing an ergonomics programme that supports staff working from home or in the office or support with staying legally compliant, you can reach out to Fit for Work. For more information on our Ergonomics Self-Assessment and Education Tool, contact us.
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