OSHA issues new regulations before Bush takes office

By Staff -- Purchasing, 2/22/2001

Departing OSHA Administrator Charles Jeffress left a last-minute spate of final regulations for the new Bush Administration to administer. Aside from the controversial ergonomics standard (see www.purchasing.com, Dec.22, 00), Jeffress' OSHA spewed out three other major rules within two days of Bush's inauguration. All had been through long reviews and revisions. They set new standards for protecting steel erection and health care workers and completely revised OSHA 's illness and injury reporting requirements for all OSHA -covered employers. The only priority rule that Jeffress failed to get under the wire was one clarifying employers' obligation to pay for personal protective equipment (PPE). Here's an update of highlights on the four rules and their effective dates:

Ergonomics (effective 1-16-01)-The new Administration could take steps to revoke the rule, but doing so would require lengthy administrative procedures. Several trade organizations, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Association of Manufacturers, have sued to block it, however. A major argument of the business lobbies-that the rule lacked scientific evidence linking muskuloskeletal disorders and work conditions-now faces a major hurdle. An 18-month National Academy of Sciences report, ordered by the last Congress and released just three days before Bush's inauguration, found that muskuloskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the lower back and upper extremities can be attributed to particular jobs and working conditions-including heavy lifting, repetitive and forceful motions, and stressful work environments. In addition, the 19-member scientific panel said ergonomics prevention programs, to be effective, should "address equipment design, work procedures and organization characteristics" and involve worker input, all features of the OSHA final rule.

Steel erection standard (7-17 01)-calls for more stringent standards requiring fall restraint for connectors working from 15-30 feet, fall prevention barriers and other devices for all working above 15 feet, slip-resistant walking services, and collapse prevention for pre-fab metal structures.

Revision to the blood pathogen standard (4-16-01)-requires employers to select safer needle devices as they become available and to involve employees in identifying and choosing the devices.

Recordkeeping (1-1-02)-Although the revised rule exempts some industries previously covered, the new injury and illness reporting form requires specific tracking of needle sticks and MSDs, possibly leading to tighter enforcement of the rules and greater demand for protective devices and equipment.

For more information on the rules, visit www.osha.gov.