Employers are obligated to protect their employees from ergonomic-related injuries in the workplace. Ergonomic injuries, often referred to as Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), are injuries or illnesses affecting the connective tissues of the body such as muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal disks. MSDs account for 30 percent of all workplace injuries requiring time away from work and cost twice as much as the average workers’ compensation claim. As a result, ergonomic injuries cost employers $15 to $18 billion per year (Source: OSHA).

OSHA’s General Duty Clause (29 USC 654) requires employers to furnish employees a form of employment and place of employment free from recognized hazards, including MSDs. Led by new agency director Dr. David Michaels, OSHA is increasing enforcement in 2011 and has stressed its ability to enforce safety regulations by citing employers who fail to address ergonomic hazards in the workplace.

Failure to comply with OSHA regulations can lead to fines of $7,000 and much more in lost work time. To help employers prepare for OSHA’s increased enforcement of ergonomic hazards while reducing their workers’ compensation costs, Personnel Concepts has developed this Ergonomic Safety Safety Information Poster.