This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies.
Bloomberg Law for HR Professionals is a complete, one-stop resource, continuously updated, providing HR professionals with fast answers to a wide range of domestic and international human resources...
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Jan. 25 it has temporarily withdrawn a recordkeeping proposal on musculoskeletal disorders from review by the White House Office of Management and Budget, citing a need for “greater input from small businesses.”
The proposed rule would add a separate column for musculoskeletal disorders to the 300 form, which employers use to record injuries and illnesses. A similar requirement was in place from the onset of the Occupational Safety and Health Act in 1970 until 2003, when it was stricken under the George W. Bush administration.
“Work-related musculoskeletal disorders remain the leading cause of workplace injury and illness in this country, and this proposal is an effort to assist employers and OSHA in better identifying problems in workplaces,” David Michaels, assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health, said in a Jan. 25 statement. “However, it is clear that the proposal has raised concern among small businesses, so OSHA is facilitating an active dialogue between the agency and the small business community.”
The announcement marks the second time an OSHA initiative that has drawn broad opposition from industry groups has been withdrawn within a week.
On Jan. 19, the agency announced the withdrawal of its proposed reinterpretation of the occupational noise exposure standard in response to concerns raised by the regulated community and the “possible costs” of the measure, Michaels said (29 HRR 68, 1/24/11).
He added that OSHA will continue to try to protect workers from noise hazards, including holding a stakeholder meeting and beginning a “robust” outreach and compliance assistance effort.
Joe Trauger, vice president of human resources policy at the National Association of Manufacturers, hailed the announcement Jan. 25.
“Manufacturers welcome OSHA's withdrawal of this unnecessary proposal, and we view it as a positive sign that the agency is listening to the concerns of employers,” he told BNA. “We hope to continue to see steps like this taken to take concerns of business into account.”
Trauger also acknowledged, however, that NAM is concerned that the withdrawal of the proposal is temporary only. “We want to make sure [OSHA is] taking our concerns into account in a substantive manner, rather than symbolically,” he said.
“I'm stunned,” Peg Seminario, safety and health director at AFL-CIO, said. “The Obama administration is caving to the cries of the business community.”
Seminario said the rule would not have been overly burdensome, because OSHA recordkeeping requirements do not apply to employers with 10 or fewer workers or in low-hazard industries, such as schools and many retail establishments.
By Stephen Lee
All Bloomberg BNA treatises are available on standing order, which ensures you will always receive the most current edition of the book or supplement of the title you have ordered from Bloomberg BNA’s book division. As soon as a new supplement or edition is published (usually annually) for a title you’ve previously purchased and requested to be placed on standing order, we’ll ship it to you to review for 30 days without any obligation. During this period, you can either (a) honor the invoice and receive a 5% discount (in addition to any other discounts you may qualify for) off the then-current price of the update, plus shipping and handling or (b) return the book(s), in which case, your invoice will be cancelled upon receipt of the book(s). Call us for a prepaid UPS label for your return. It’s as simple and easy as that. Most importantly, standing orders mean you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you’re relying on. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.960.1220 or by sending an email to books@bna.com.
Put me on standing order at a 5% discount off list price of all future updates, in addition to any other discounts I may quality for. (Returnable within 30 days.)
Notify me when updates are available (No standing order will be created).
This Bloomberg BNA report is available on standing order, which ensures you will all receive the latest edition. This report is updated annually and we will send you the latest edition once it has been published. By signing up for standing order you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you need. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.372.1033, option 5, or by sending us an email to research@bna.com.
Put me on standing order
Notify me when new releases are available (no standing order will be created)