Congress Repeals OSHA Ergonomic Regulations

Regulations had addressed work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Last Fall the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released final regulations addressing “musculoskeletal disorders” (MSDs) in the workplace. MSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome and other repetitive motion injuries that are experienced by some employees who spend hours each day using a computer keyboard. The OSHA regulations required employers to determine if an employee’s injuries were MSDs, and if so, to implement a comprehensive “ergonomic” program for all employees to reduce as much as possible the risk of such injuries. The regulations contained a two-page checklist to assist employers in deciding if an employee’s injuries were an MSD triggering the need to immediately implement a full-blown ergonomics program. The regulations, which were issued in the final days of the Clinton administration, went into effect on January 16, 2001. They were repealed by Congress in March of this year. Congress also prohibited OSHA from issuing similar regulations in the future.

This content originally appeared in Church Treasurer Alert, June 2001.

Richard R. Hammar is an attorney, CPA and author specializing in legal and tax issues for churches and clergy.

This content is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering legal, accounting, or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought. "From a Declaration of Principles jointly adopted by a Committee of the American Bar Association and a Committee of Publishers and Associations." Due to the nature of the U.S. legal system, laws and regulations constantly change. The editors encourage readers to carefully search the site for all content related to the topic of interest and consult qualified local counsel to verify the status of specific statutes, laws, regulations, and precedential court holdings.

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