NCOIL Resolution Supports OSHA Ergonomics Guidelines; Hopes for Reduction in Workers' Compensation Claims

A resolution supporting ergonomics guidelines for nursing homes and encouraging such facilities to use alternative mechanical lifting methods was unanimously approved on Thursday by the Workers' Compensation Committee at the spring National Conference of Insurance Legislators in Hilton Head, S.C.

The ergonomics measure was proposed by the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Senator Ann Cummings, D-VT, sponsor of the NCOIL resolution, also chaired the committee meeting.

The goals of OSHA's ergonomics guidelines are to reduce ergonomic-related injuries and workers' compensation claims in the nursing home industry. OSHA's goals are to: Develop a process to protect workers; identify problems and implement solutions for resident lifting and repositioning; identify problems and implement solutions for resident lifting and repositioning; identify problems and implementing solutions for activities other than resident lifting and repositioning; training; and additional sources of information.

The guidelines are designed specifically for the nursing home industry, but OSHA hopes employers with similar work environments, such as assisted living center, homes for the disabled, homes for the aged and hospitals will also find the information useful.