SBA and OSHA Seek Input From Small-Business Community on Repetitive-Motion Disorders

In response to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) withdrawal of a proposal to require employers with 10 or more workers to record certain work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in their OSHA 300 Log, a series of teleconferences has been scheduled to obtain feedback from the small-business community. In February, OSHA pledged to meet with small-business representatives to discuss how any future effort to require a MSD injury log would impact these companies. The Small Business Administration (SBA) is helping to arrange the teleconferences.

An OSHA 300 Log is a record of work-related injuries and illnesses that many employers are required to maintain. OSHA proposed adding a new column for MSD disorders for employers already required to keep injury/illness records. MSDs are defined by OSHA as disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal discs (e.g., carpal tunnel and rotator cuff syndrome, herniated spinal disc, low back pain, etc.), but do not include disorders caused by slips, trips, falls, motor vehicle accidents or other similar accidents.

SEMA encourages member companies to participate in a teleconference to provide input on OSHA’s proposal. SEMA remains concerned that the proposed rule could expose employers to lawsuits and OSHA penalties if they misdiagnose a problem or improperly recorded a MSD. The teleconferences are scheduled for:

• Monday, April 11 at 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
• Tuesday, April 12 at 9:00 a.m. (EDT)
• Tuesday, April 12 at 1:30 p.m. (EDT)

If you are interested in participating in a teleconference, please contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org for registration information.