First Ergonomic Guidelines Won't Deal With Manufacturing

ByJohn S. McClenahen U.S. manufacturing, a long-time source of repetitive-motion injury complaints, will not be the focus of the Bush Administration's first set of industry-specific guidelines aimed at reducing ergonomic-related injuries and illnesses. That distinction goes to nursing homes. Providers and workers are slated to be involved in writing the voluntary guidelines, which the U.S. Labor Department expects to be ready for public comment later this year. The department's Occupational Safety & Health Administration on April 5 announced its plan to reduce ergonomic injuries. In addition to guidelines for industries and even specific tasks, the plan includes enforcement aimed at eliminating "bad actors."