[20030123]97-724E_工作场所的人体工程学：是时候制定OSHA标准了吗？.pdf

Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 97-724 EUpdated January 23, 2003Ergonomics in the Workplace: Is It Time for an OSHA Standard?Edward RappaportAnalyst in Industry EconomicsDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryImproper ergonomic design of jobs is one of the leading causes cited for work-related illness, accounting for perhaps a third of employers costs under state workerscompensation laws, according to OSHA. Due to the wide variety of circumstances,however, any comprehensive standard would probably have to be complex and costly,while scientific understanding of the problem is not complete.On November 14, 2000, OSHA promulgated an ergonomics standard. It wouldrequire employers to set up control programs for job categories where “work-relatedmusculoskeletal disorders” are reported. These programs would include job hazardanalysis and control, medical management of reported injuries, employee participation,training and evaluation.Congress has signaled its interest in the issue for a number of years. After a draftproposal was released in 1995, riders to the Labor Department appropriations bills werepassed