OSHA’s new workplace ergonomics standard (1910.900) goes into effect this month — Jan. 16, 2001. If the new administration in Washington doesn’t pull back the standard for review, and pending numerous lawsuits, here are the key dates to remember:

  • Oct. 14, 2001 — Employers must begin to distribute information on the standard to all employees and begin receiving and responding to reports of repetitive motion-related injuries.

  • Within seven calendar days after an employee has reported a musculoskeletal disorder, the employer must determine if the employee’s job meets the action trigger for further action.

  • If the job meets the action trigger, the employer has seven calendar days to provide the injured employee access to a health care professional, and any temporary work restrictions if needed.

  • Within 30 calendar days after the job meets the action trigger, management leadership and employee participation programs must be implemented for that job, and similar jobs in the same workplace.

  • Within 45 calendar days, employees involved in setting up and managing the ergo program must be trained.

  • Within 90 calendar days after the job meets the action trigger, all employees in jobs similar to the injured employee’s job must be trained, and also supervisors or team leaders associated with those jobs.

  • Problem jobs that meet the action trigger must undergo a job hazard analysis within 60 calendar days.

  • Initial controls to correct ergonomic problems in that job must be implemented within 90 calendar days after that initial determination that the job meets the action trigger.

  • Ergonomics programs must be evaluated by employers within three years after the job meets the action trigger.

  • Permanent controls to correct ergonomic problem jobs must be implemented no later than Jan. 18, 2005.