PROHIBIT ERGONOMICS RULES S.B. 20 (S-1):
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 20 (Substitute S-1 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Rick Jones
Committee: Economic Development
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. The prohibition would not apply to the adoption by reference of a Federal workplace ergonomics rule.
A department, board, or commission could provide guidance, best practices information, or assistance for the voluntary implementation or practice of a workplace ergonomics program. The guidance or other assistance could not advocate workplace ergonomics programs that were more stringent than indicated in Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration ergonomics guidelines.
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 rule would increase costs for employers, including public employers. Under this view, the proposed prohibition against promulgation of a workplace ergonomics rule would prevent the imposition of future costs on State and local government. Alternatively, others contend that ergonomics rules would prevent injuries and thus reduce the cost to employers for workers' compensation programs.
Date Completed: 2-10-11 Fiscal Analyst: Josh Sefton
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. sb20/1112