The number of repetitive motion injuries has tapered off during the past three years, which an employers' trade organization says shows that proposed federal standards covering office ergonomics are unnecessary.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is weighing whether guidelines are needed for ergonomics that involve fitting the work place to the worker and the types of businesses to be covered."It (the injury) is found in any industry where you do awkward lifting and turning," said PJ Edington, executive director of the Center for Office Technology, an Alexandria, Va., trade group that lobbies on behalf of employers on office-related issues. It represents such employers as AT&T Corp. and the nation's largest auto-makers.
OSHA considers work-related musculoskeletal disorders leading causes of workplace pain and disability. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported injuries and illnesses attributed to repetitive typing dropped 6 percent from 1995 to 1996 and a total of 17 percent since 1993.
Repetitive typing contributed less than 1 percent, or 11,226 cases, of the total 1,880,525 reported cases.
"We need to keep this in perspective," Edington said. "I don't think this is an epidemic."
Repetitive motion disorders are common in the meat industry, where workers repeat the same tasks in a cold environment. More than 10 of every 100 meat-cutters claim a work-related disorder, the government said.
The positioning of the body and the type of work that must be done can cause persistent pain and lead to deterioration of affected joints, tissues and muscles, the agency said in its report, which suggests a need for ergonomic regulations for clerical workers.
The agency estimates that work-related disorders account for one out of three dollars spent on workers' compensation.
9 to5 National Association of Working Women, although applauding the decrease in repetitive-motion cases among office workers, said it still wants OSHA to set minimum standards to cover clerical employees.
Ellen Bravo, co-director of 9 to5's national office in Milwaukee, said the federal standards would ensure safer working conditions.
Some employers promote ergonomic standards, but regulations from OSHA may be needed to reduce injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome, Bravo said.