This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
This Website Uses Cookies
By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Learn More
This website requires certain cookies to work and uses other cookies to help you have the best experience. By visiting this website, certain cookies have already been set, which you may delete and block. By closing this message or continuing to use our site, you agree to the use of cookies. Visit our updated privacy and cookie policy to learn more.
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
search
cart
facebook twitter linkedin youtube
  • Sign In
  • Create Account
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Plumbing and Mechanical (pmmag) logo
  • Home
  • Magazine
    • Current Issue
    • Digital Edition
    • Archives
    • Product Focus
    • Truck of the Month
    • Plumber of the Month
    • Tool Tips
    • PM Profile
    • Ad Index
    • Bookstore
  • Market Sectors
    • Plumbing News
    • Mechanical Systems
    • Radiant/Hydronics
    • Solar Thermal/Geothermal
    • Green
    • Bath & Kitchen
    • Fire Protection
    • Water Quality
    • Technology
    • Codes
    • Business Management
  • Columnists
    • John Siegenthaler: Hydronics Workshop
    • Al Levi: Managing your business
    • Dan Holohan: Heating Help
    • Kenny Chapman: Blue Collar Coach
    • Adams Hudson: Marketing Strategies
    • Jim Hamilton: The Bottom Line
    • Ray Wohlfarth: The Boiler Room
    • Nicole Krawcke: Editorial Opinion
    • Julius Ballanco: Plumbing Primer
    • Matt Michel: Service Plumbing Pros
    • Dave Yates: Contractor’s Corner
  • Blog
    • The 7-Power Contractor
    • PM On The Road
  • Radiant & Hydronics
  • Multimedia
    • PM AHR Expo 2019 Videos
    • Photo Gallery
    • PM Network Videos
    • PM YouTube Channel
    • Podcasts
    • Webinars
    • Showrooms
    • eBooks
  • Products
  • More
    • History of Plumbing
    • Industry Calendar
    • Classified Ads
    • Industry Links
    • Radiant Comfort Report
    • Green Plumbing & Heating
    • PVF Outlook
    • PB Outlook
    • Sponsor Insights
    • eNewsletters
    • Subscribe to Plumbing Group eNewsletters
    • Market Research
  • Directories
    • RCR Buyers Guide
    • B.I.G. Book
    • Rep Locator
  • Contact
    • Advertise
Home » Industry Debates Ergonomic Regulations

Industry Debates Ergonomic Regulations

December 1, 2000
Reprints
No Comments
Legal and legislative battles likely when OSHA ergonomic standard goes into effect Jan. 16.

A controversial OSHA ergonomic standard will go into effect Jan. 16, setting the stage for a likely legal and legislative battle. The National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and several other organizations have already filed lawsuits aimed at overturning the recent standard published just last November. Congress could also block the effective date by attaching a provision to a still-unfinished spending bill that funds OSHA.

While the standard exempts most of the construction industry, the rules definitely cover mechanical service and prefabrication shop workers. In addition, construction trade groups don't consider what may or may not be exempt as much of a leeway anyway.

"There is a misperception that just because the standard is said to apply to general industry, it will not be applied to construction companies," says Richard Kohls, president, American Subcontractors Association, and vice president, finance, The Fenton Rigging Co., Cincinnati, Ohio. "That's not true. Many construction employees work in modern office environments and engage in regulated behavior. OSHA can also apply the rule to machine shops, stage facilities and fabricating plants. The agency's earlier assurances that the standards would not apply to the construction industry is virtually meaningless."

Construction trade groups further contend that existing safety programs already address ergonomic matters. Vague language and confusion over the scientific validity of such injuries further cloud the matter.

"The bottom line is that if a worker reports any ache or pain in the bone, muscle, tendon, ligament - any part of the musculoskeletal system - then it triggers compliance with the standard," says Peter G. Chaney, director of safety and health, MCAA. "You could also get these aches and pains through any number of other means off the job, too."

Estimates of the cost of complying with the new standards range from OSHA's estimate of $4.5 billion to more than $90 billion annually. Certainly one of the most unpopular mandates require workers who take time off to recover from ergonomic-related industries to receive 90 percent of their pay and 100 percent of their benefits for up to 90 days.

Another big worry for the construction industry is that this initial standard will eventually specifically cover the construction industry. Chaney reports that OSHA's advisory committee for construction, safety and health has already issued ergonomic "guidelines" for the construction industry.

"The intent is for them to be regulations at the appropriate time," Chaney adds.

pm-subscribe

Related Articles

Industry-Led Workshop Helps Instructors Meet New Regulations

Congress Kills OSHA Ergonomic Rules

OSHA Proposes New Ergonomic Standards

RI town debates wood-fired hydronic heaters

Related Products

What Hydronics Taught Holohan: A Memoir of Life in the Heating Industry

Plumbing Technology, Design & Installation

College of Product Knowledge CD

PM Manufacturers Rep Locator Directory

Related Directories

Embassy Industries

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Subscribe For Free!
  • Print & Digital Edition Subscriptions
  • eNewsletters
  • Online Registration
  • Subscription Customer Service

More Videos

Popular Stories

Space-saving

Preventing scale damage in tankless water heaters

The Glitch.jpg

The Glitch and Fix: Keep the cost down

Pre-fabricated snow melting

Radiant: More than just a luxury home building option

Siggy_single coil

Single coil solution

exhaust line

Dave Yates: Dominoes

PM-Rectorseal-Quiz-360x184


PM-COTY 2019

Events

December 30, 2030

Webinar Sponsorship Information

For webinar sponsorship information, visit www.bnpevents.com/webinars or email webinars@bnpmedia.com.

View All Submit An Event

Products

2020 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator

2020 National Plumbing & HVAC Estimator

See More Products

PM_Top20Products360

Plumbing and Mechanical

Plumbing & Mechanical December 2019

2019 December

Check out the December 2019 edition of Plumbing & Mechanical: 2020 B.I.G. Book, John Siegenthaler on geothermal water-to-water heat pump system design and installation, maximizing efficiency on small-diameter piping projects and much more!
View More Create Account
  • Resources
    • Reprints
    • List Rental
    • Contact Us
    • AEC Store
    • Blogs
    • Radiant & Hydronics
    • Industry Links
    • Market Research
    • Custom Content & Marketing Services
    • Privacy Policy
  • Want More
    • Connect
    • Survey And Sample
  • Plumbing Group
    • PM Engineer
    • Supply House Times
  • Advertise
    • Advertise
    • Plan for 2020!

Copyright ©2019. All Rights Reserved BNP Media.

Design, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing