OSHA (USA) have published a framework and supporting tools for the prevention and management of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The approach is essentially one of responding to significant symptoms by first deciding if they are significant and then, caused by work. the latter includes cases where the initial injury was not at work but where work could slow recovery or aggravate the injury. By responding to symptoms, the standard selects the most vulnerable rather than the average worker.
Evidence from:
OSHA Ergonomics Standard and supporting evidence review.
Evidence from:
Occupational Health Review May/June 2001 p 3
Confirmation that the “Ergonomics Standard” which was accepted in the last few days of the Clinton administration, has now been revoked. The standard has been discussed in detail in a previous issue of The State of Knowledge journal Vol. 1#2.
The argument against the standard seems to have revolved around the economic burden on business. It is not clear that such objections would carry weight in the EU where employment rights/protection are already strong.