PROHIBIT ERGONOMICS RULES S.B. 93:
COMMITTEE SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 93 (as introduced 1-27-09)
Sponsor: Senator Alan Sanborn
Committee: Economic Development and Regulatory Reform
Date Completed: 1-27-09
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to prohibit a department, board, or commission authorized to promulgate rules under the Act from promulgating a rule or establishing a standard regarding workplace ergonomics. A department, board, or commission, however, could provide guidance, best practices information, or assistance for the voluntary implementation or practice of a workplace ergonomics program.
For purposes of the bill, "workplace ergonomics" would mean a program or practice that addresses musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by repetitive motion or stress.
Proposed MCL 408.1017 Legislative Analyst: Patrick Affholter
FISCAL IMPACT
The potential impact of the bill on State and local government is unknown. It has been claimed that implementation of a workplace ergonomics standard would increase costs for employers, including public employers. Under this view, the proposed prohibition against promulgation of a workplace ergonomics standard would prevent the imposition of future costs on State and local government. Alternatively, others contend that ergonomics standards would prevent injuries and thus reduce the cost to employers for workers' compensation programs.
Fiscal Analyst: Elizabeth Pratt
Maria Tyszkiewicz
Analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent. sb93/0910