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"This document was published prior to the publication of OSHA's final rule on Ergonomics Program (29 CFR 1910.900, November 14, 2000), and therefore does not necessarily address or reflect the provisions set forth in the final standard."

New Release USDL: 96-528
Monday, December 30, 1996
Contact: Stephen Gaskill, (202) 219-6091

A national conference to discuss ways to combat one of the nation's fastest growing threats to worker health will be convened in Chicago, Jan 8 & 9, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers.

"Ergonomics: Effective Workplace Practices And Programs, will provide a forum for business, government, labor and others to share practical experience and workplace programs designed to reduce and prevent repetitive stress injuries. The conference is sponsored by the National Institute For Occupational Safety And Health (NIOSH) and the Occupational Safety And Health Administration (OSHA) of the U.S. Department of Labor.

Key speakers at the conference will include: OSHA Deputy Assistant Secretary Greg Watchman; Dr. Linda Rosenstock, Director of NIOSH; Peg Seminario, AFL-CIO director of occupational health and safety; and Hank Lick, manager/industrial hygiene of the Ford Motor Company.

Ergonomics, the science of adjusting the job to fit the body's needs, can prevent repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), which comprise more than 100 different types of job-induced injuries and illnesses resulting from wear and tear on the body. They can severely inhibit the ability to accomplish many simple activities or destroy a worker's ability to continue to perform the job.

In recent years the rapid growth of computer-based jobs involving intensive keying has increased the incidence of RSI problems, as have the doubling of the poultry-processing workforce and the automation of that industry. RSI problems also occur as a result of heavy lifting, awkward posture, repetitive motion, or a combination of these factors.

Reporters wishing to attend the conference may preregister by calling the OSHA Office of Public Affairs at (202) 219-8151.