However a more basic plan is to be adopted by firms with lower risk of these injuries. OSHA provided training to employers for implementing these guidelines. These training sessions are considered even more critical for small businesses which are at a higher risk of facing such injuries. OSHA also plans to conduct regular inspections to make sure these guidelines are being adhered to. It is the responsibility of the employer to identify risk factors and make reasonable effort to remove them in order to develop a safer and healthier workplace. Development of programs to identity and remove risky patterns is what OSHA demands and expects from employers. It states clearly that: "Employers need to remain vigilant for ergonomic risks. This issue clearly is important to OSHA and will be a priority during upcoming inspections. Companies need to take steps now to identify and eliminate ergonomic hazards. At a minimum, employers should develop programs to reduce ergonomic risk factors. OSHA has stated that it will not focus its enforcement efforts on employers who have implemented effective ergonomic programs or who are making good-faith efforts to reduce ergonomic hazards."

With more and more people using computers, the risk of ergonomic injuries has risen manifold and so has the enforcement of OSHA guidelines. Companies whose employees need to spend lengthy hours at computer workstations must keep in mind the hazards involved in performing repetitive tasks. They thus need to take few things into consideration such as the placement of mouse, height of the chair and its distance from the computer, arm rest and keyboard placement. If an employee can prove that inadequate arrangement at workplace led to his injuries, the company can face serious legal charges. "Uncomfortable workspace positioning can lead to serious injuries, including neck and back pain, headache and carpal tunnel syndrome…Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most debilitating work-related musculoskeletal disorder, with associated health care costs averaging $35,000 per claim…Although legal battles are more prevalent in ergonomie issues on a construction site or in a medical profession, there are instances where office workplace discomfort can lead to...

Medical or disability claims cost companies exorbitant amounts of money…" (Seitz, 2009)
However more and more firms are becoming aware of their role in ergonomic setup and hence are trying to make work environment less stressful both mentally and physically. They are investing in ergonomic furniture which is available at many stores now. However while some may find it difficult to invest in costly new furniture in these turbulent economic times, they need to remember that if they fail to take into consideration the health and safety of their employees, the lawsuits that follow can result in even more financial damage. Thus the best approach is to prevent an injury instead of curing it. This approach works because if it can be proven that company took all measures to provide a safe workplace, the amount of damages attributed to unsafe work can be substantially reduced.

Conclusion

Ergonomic injuries are more common than we think. The daily tasks performed by a worker in a factory can result in many types of aches and pains. When efforts are not made to provide a safer working routine, these ache and pains can result in full blown strains and sprains requiring serious treatment. Not only do they hurt a worker's ability to do his job, it also robs the organization of its profits in terms of lost productivity. OSHA guidelines should be implemented to protect workers from injuries occurring from repetitive strain in order to create a better workplace.

References

OSHA Issues New Plan for Reducing Ergonomic Injuries May 6, 2002. Retrieved online http://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/May_6_2002/osha.htm

Ron Wood, Ergonomic injuries and the workplace December 13, 2005. Retrieved online http://www.thefabricator.com/Safety/Safety_Article.cfm?ID=1214

Michael Adelizzi. OSHA's Comprehensive Plan to reduce ergonomic injuries. Retrieved online http://www.masoncontractors.org/newsandevents/masonryheadlines/headline.php?id=20020603083700

Adelizzi, 2002

Wood, 2005

http://www.constructionweblinks.com/Resources/Industry_Reports__Newsletters/May_6_2002/osha.htm