Posted by LIWU95 (posted here by IWA Webmaster) on June 16, 1999 at 20:06:26:
CONGRESSMAN BLUNT TO RSI VICTIMS: WE NEED MORE RESEARCH, NOT PREVENTION
Despite more than 6.1 million ergonomic injuries since 1990 and mountains of data (including a comprehensive study by NIOSH), Congressman Roy Blunt (R- Mo.) claims that what we need now is yet more data.
His bill (H.R. 987) would prevent OSHA from coming out with an Ergonomic Standard to protect workers until the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) completes its research on musculoskeletal disorders in two years.
Fight Back! NYCOSH and the AFL-CIO urge phone calls and letters to your Congressmember urging them to oppose H.R. 987. Workers have waited more than 10 years for an OSHA ergonomic standard and deserve protection now.
How many more must become permanently disabled by RSIs when we already know both the cause and the remedy?
Write to your Member of Congress at:
The Honorable ______________________
The U.S. House of Representatives,
Washington, D.C. 20515; and
The Honorable ______________________
The U.S. Senate,
Washington, D.C. 20510
You can call the Congressional Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to reach your Congressmember's office.
Dear Representative/Senator;
I am writing to ask for your opposition to H.R. 987 and encourage your support for an OSHA ergonomic standard, which will help to prevent the biggest job safety problem in the country today - repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and crippling back injuries.
Each year, these injuries account for about one-third of all serious injuries recorded by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. After years of delay, due to industry opposition, OSHA is moving forward to issue an ergonomics standard to prevent repetitive strain injuries. For workers, the proposed standard is a step in the right direction, but needs to be stronger so all
workers are covered and action is required before injuries occur.
Unfortunately, some of your colleagues and some employers are still trying to prevent OSHA from taking action to protect workers. This proposed bill calls for more research and study of the issue. There is already plenty of scientific evidence that RSIs are work-related and that ergonomics can prevent injuries, including a study by the National Institute for
Occupational Safety and Health.
RSIs and crippling back injuries can be prevented. Employers must take action to fix hazardous jobs. OSHA's ergonomic standard can lead the way in preventing unnecessary pain and suffering, which destroys countless workers' lives.
I encourage you to support OSHA's efforts and to oppose H.R. 987.
Sincerely,