title: A legacy of struggle: the OSHA ergonomics standard and beyond, Part I.
abstract: In November 2000, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) issued an ergonomics standard to prevent debilitating work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). It was rescinded by Congress within four months. We explore how this story unfolded over two decades of collaboration and conflict. Part I provides an overview of the historical context of the struggle for a standard, followed by interviews with key players from labor, academia and government. They provide a snapshot of the standard; discuss the prevalence of WMSDs in the context of changing work organization; give insight into the role of unions and of scientific debate within the context of rulemaking; and uncover the basis for the groundbreaking OSHA citations that laid the foundation for a standard. Part II interviews further explore the anti-regulatory political landscape of the 1990s that led to repeal of the standard, discuss the impact of the struggle beyond the standard, and describe creative approaches for the future.
authors.affiliation: APHA Occupational Health and Safety Section.
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Delp
authors.affiliation: University of California, Los Angeles.
authors.forename: Zahra
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Mojtahedi
authors.affiliation: Civil Rights Project at UCLA.
authors.forename: Hina
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sheikh
authors.affiliation: Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA.
authors.forename: Jackie
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lemus
mesh_terms: D006804:Ergonomics / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D049673:History, 20th Century; D006801:Humans; D007750:Labor Unions / Q000266:history* / Q000458:organization & administration; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000266:history / Q000517:prevention & control; D016272:Occupational Health / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence; D014481:United States; D014489:United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration / Q000266:history* / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence
keywords: OSHA; WMSDs; ergonomics; work-related musculoskeletal disorders; worker health and safety