ABSTRACT
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has steadily increased its emphasis on Ergonomics over the past several years. This increased emphasis is the result of an ever-rising number of workers5 compensation claims, escalating health costs, and the extremely high frequency of ergonomic-related injuries and illnesses. Companies do have a responsibility to protect and preserve the well-being of their employees under the General Duty Clause, Section 5 (a) (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act. By establishing Ergonomics processes, companies can comply with OSHA regulations while, at the same time, eliminating ergonomically related losses. Estab lishing an effective Ergonomics process will reduce the number and severity of accidents, decrease time away from work, increase productivity, and lower workers5 compensation costs. The key word in this statement is “effective.55
