OSHA plans to address ergonomics issue. (Health Care Industry Spotlight).

National Small Business United (NSBU), the nation's oldest small business advocacy organization, recently saluted the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational and Safety Health Administration (OSHA) for the direction of their plan announced today to replace regulations repealed last year by Congress by developing voluntary guidelines to reduce workplace injuries. Rather than issuing "one-size-fits-all" overarching mandates that often hurt more than help small businesses, OSHA will create new guidelines aimed at specific industries and particular tasks.

OSHA's new plan is divided into four parts. The first is to develop voluntary guidelines aimed at certain industries and tasks. OSHA expects to release the guidelines in about six months and in the meantime, will encourage other businesses to develop their own. The second part of the OSHA plan is to target enforcement by offering specialized training of staff on workplace hazards and to delegate 10 regional coordinators to be involved in the enforcement process. The third part includes outreach and assistance, whereby OSHA will offer training grants to help address workplace injuries and also set up an Internet site to encourage safety and prevention. The last part of the plan concentrates on research. OSHA plans to develop an advisory committee to study ergonomics and to accurately identify areas that need consideration.

"This is a good step forward for small business," said NSBU Chair Joy Gay.

"We look forward to working with OSHA to ensure that the guidance and information soon to be provided will help rather than be the hindrance that small businesses experience under rigid workplace regulations. It is time for a change in direction, and I am glad that our voice has finally been heard," stated Todd McCracken, President of NSBU.

This article was provided by the NSBU.