Another factor contributing to the rates of RSI is the increasing number of females in the workforce.  In 1960, less than one-half of females in the population were in the paid workforce.  Today more than seventy-five percent are working.  Studies indicate that females are at more risk for the onset of RSI due to several anatomical and physiological factors at some job sites than are their male counterpart.

At any rate, it is apparent that the OSHA has identified the need to issue a standard and has conducted the research necessary to prove that viable Ergonomic programs work.  As such, after initially beginning work toward issuing guidelines back in 1979, on November 23, 1999 the agency promulgated a proposed standard in the federal register.  This followed a failed attempt by members of the US Congress to again prevent the agency from issuing a standard.  Apparently the evidence indicating that actions are needed to prevent RSI lead to their decision to vote against the resolution.  This is understandable in consideration of the aforementioned cost to US employers with evidence that 2.73 million worker’s compensation claims for RSIs have occurred in recent years.  Also, the fact that OSHA estimates that one out of three workers’ compensation dollars paid for claims are for these type injuries.  In a presentation in Atlanta on January 18, 2000, Jim Drake, OSHA Ergonomic Coordinator, Region IV, indicated that activities to finalize the standard are “on track” and the goal is to finalize by December 2000.  

Supervisor Ergonomic Training

One of the components most necessary to insure a successful ergonomic program is the training of supervisors.  As a part of the required ergonomic manage system, the supervisor plays the “pivot able” role in insuring the recognition of activities that may increase the risk of exposure of workers to ergonomic hazards.  As such, the trained supervisor can provide the needed element of earlier intervention in the prevention of Repetitive Stress Injuries.  In fact, the proposed ergonomic OSHA standard has such training as a required component of the program.

OEHC’s Supervisor Training Program

The staff of OEHC has developed a supervisor ergonomic training program designed to assist the employer in the orientation of supervisors to the significance of the risk of Repetitive Stress Injuries.  This four-hour course includes subjects that help to make the supervisor the “on-the-job ergonomists”.  This is accomplished by orienting the supervisor to fact that “task must be fitted to the man.”  Also, that the behaviors of workers is a major contributor to the onset of such injuries.

This four-hour course includes the following subject matter:

Introduction to OSHA’s Ergonomic Program

Job Site Analysis-Ergonomic Hazards and Control

Anthropometry

Ergonomic Related Medical Disorders

Company & Personal Liabilities