OSHA temporarily withdraws column for input from small businesses

Concerns among small businesses have prompted OSHA to hold off implementing a column to record work-related musculoskeletal disorders, at least for the time being. The federal agency said it will reach out to small businesses and get their input on the impact of the plan.

OSHA announced last year it would restore a column on its Form 300 Log of Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses specifically for MSDs. The column was announced in 2001 although it was deleted in 2003 before it became effective.

Public comments on the proposal indicated concerns about added expense and training.

NIOSH seeks updated approach to carcinogens in the workplace (09/19/11)
Washington: Hearings to focus on cranes in construction work (09/29/11)
Proposal would formalize voluntary health and safety program (06/20/11)
OSHA restructures antiretaliation program, updates manual (08/29/11)
Food flavorings focus of NIOSH exposure recommendations (09/27/11)

"Most employees who manage OSHA logs do so as a collateral assignment and already have problems in trying to complete the log," noted one. "Employees are familiar with 'strain/sprain' and 'repetitive motion,' but this revision adds new terminology and more formal diagnostic definitions. In short, it does not appear to be a cost-
effective proposal."

Another commented, "I worry as a safety professional that the average person in small business that completes this won't be able to do proper classification of an MSD."

Still another said, "I do not believe that these injuries should be separated on the log because the strain classification is too broad. Typically, if there is no blood, laceration, or contusion, it is deemed a strain or sprain just because of a subjective complaint of pain."

In announcing the temporary withdrawal of the proposed column, OSHA said it would hold a meeting with the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy to hear from businesses throughout the country.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

March 3, 2011

Newsletter Sign-up