OSHA Muscoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Rule
OSHA in early 2010 announced intentions to revise its "Recordkeeping" regulation to restore a column to the so-called "300 Log" for recording work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). While OSHA maintained it was planning to use the data gathered by the restored column to improve statistics on MSDs, most believe it was intended to lay the groundwork for new ergonomics standards like those adopted by the Clinton Administration in 2001. Those regulations were met with harsh opposition from business groups and were eventually repealed by Congress in 2003. The public comment period for the MSD proposal closed in March 2010, with business groups like the NAM responding on behalf of the employer community and challenging the legal grounds and science behind the proposal.
OSHA announced in Jan. 2011 it is "temporarily" withdrawing its MSD proposal and will work with the Small Business Administration to convene a meeting with small businesses to seek additional input on the proposal. Business groups applauded the decision to withdraw the initiative, but were quick to point out the delay is only temporary. SMART will continue to monitor developments related to this rulemaking and to respond to when and if needed.
