title: More evidence of the need for an ergonomic standard.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In 1999, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) proposed regulations designed to reduce work related inquiries by limiting worker exposure to "ergonomic risk factors." Congress subsequently overturned the regulations. We provide additional evidence on earnings losses attributable to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and thus on the need for an ergonomic standard.
  
  
  METHODS
  Regression techniques are used to analyze data from a survey of injured workers that has been matched to employer-reported earnings data covering pre- and post-injury periods, and to workers' compensation claims records.
  
  
  RESULTS
  MSDs lead to large and persistent earnings losses. Cost estimates used by OSHA to justify the 1999 EPS are corroborated. Losses are greatest among workers who file workers compensation claims, but nonclaimants also have losses.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Earnings losses and lost productivity associated with work-related MSDs are substantial and an ergonomic standard could be cost effective.
authors.affiliation: Department of Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing Michigan, MI 48824, USA. biddle@msu.edu
authors.forename: Jeff
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Biddle
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D017281:Cost of Illness; D003625:Data Collection; D006804:Ergonomics / Q000592:standards*; D033161:Government Regulation; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D007345:Insurance Claim Review; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000191:economics* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration; D014942:Workers' Compensation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*