ERGONOMICS RULES PROHIBITION S.B. 20:
SUMMARY AS ENACTED
Senate Bill 20 (as enacted) PUBLIC ACT 10 of 2011
Senate Committee: Economic Development
House Committee: Regulatory Reform
Date Completed: 4-12-12
CONTENT
The bill amended 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 does not apply to the adoption by reference of a Federal workplace ergonomics rule.
The bill allows a department, board, or commission to provide guidance, best practices information, or assistance for the voluntary implementation or practice of a workplace ergonomics program. If there are Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ergonomics guidelines, the guidance or other assistance may not advocate workplace ergonomics programs that are more stringent than indicated in the OSHA guidelines.
For purposes of the bill, "workplace ergonomics" means a program or practice that addresses musculoskeletal disorders that are caused by repetitive motion or stress.
The bill took effect on March 24, 2011.
Legislative Analyst: Suzanne Lowe
FISCAL IMPACT
The potential impact of the bill on State and local government is unknown. It was claimed that implementation of a workplace ergonomics rule would increase costs for employers, including public employers. Under this view, the prohibition against promulgation of a workplace ergonomics rule will prevent the imposition of future costs on State and local government. Alternatively, others contended that ergonomics rules prevent injuries and thus reduce the cost to employers for workers' compensation programs.
This 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.