Ergonomics Talking Points-

· The Ergonomics Standard Rule Advisory Committee- Referred a consensus draft of the rules to the MIOSHA Standards Commissions.  These rules require businesses to train their employees on the hazards on improper body positions to prevent sprain, strains and repetitive movement injuries. 
· The Senate passed legislation that would prohibit the DLEG from promulgating these ergonomic standards, SB 843, by a vote of 21-17.  The bill amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to prohibit a department, board, or commission authorized to promulgate rules under the Act from promulgating a rule or establishing a standard regarding workplace ergonomics.  "Workplace ergonomics" refers to a program or practice that addresses musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by repetitive motion or stress.
· The budget for the Department of Labor Economic Growth (DLEG) passed the House of Representatives and is currently in the Senate DLEG appropriations subcommittee.  There is a rumor that the Senate will attempt to put boilerplate language in the DLEG budget to prohibit the department from implementing ergonomic standards.
· The cost of ergonomic injuries:
1. Overexertion is the number one cause of workplace injury.
2. Overexertion injuries cost the U.S. economy $12.5 billion each year.
3. Half of all workers' compensation claims can be attributed to strains, sprains and repetitive motion injuries.
4. Nurses' aides and truck drivers have the greatest number of days away from work.
5. Carpal tunnel syndrome resulted in the highest median days away from work (28-days) for major disabling injuries.
6. Repetitive motion injuries resulted in the longest absences from work.
7. The cost of back surgery ranges from $2,000 to $100,000.
8. By instituting an ergonomic program, Lacks Enterprises in Grand Rapids realized a net annual savings of $ 900,000. There are a number of other Michigan companies that have reduced injuries and costs by instituting an ergonomic program.