OMB reviewing OSHA's ergo column rule

The Office of Management and Budget is reviewing a proposed rule that would add a musculoskeletal disorder column to OSHA's Form 300 Log.

The controversial rule would change OSHA's injury and illness recording and reporting requirements by adding the dedicated column so regulators can track MSD injuries. Employers currently are required to record MSD injuries on the 300 log, but in a more general column.

The rule originally was proposed a decade ago, but was scuttled during the Bush administration. Current OSHA leaders say the new column would not add a substantial burden to employers, and the information collected could help in efforts to prevent MSD injuries. However, critics contend the new rule would complicate and confuse the recording process, and the definition of "musculoskeletal disorders" is too broad.