OSHA closes comment period on MSD column rule

Nearly 100 stakeholders commented on a proposed rule that would return a musculoskeletal disorder column to OSHA's 300 log.

OSHA said the comments will help improve data gathering of work-related MSDs. The rule would not impose on employers any additional requirements other than checking the MSD column on the 300 log if a workplace MSD occurs under the regular recording requirements in the recordkeeping standard.

Some of the comments praised OSHA's proposed rulemaking. The AFL-CIO said the column would be an "extremely useful tool" in identifying and addressing workplace MSDs.

Other stakeholders remained more dubious about the change. The Arlington, VA-based National Association of Chemical Distributors cited the difficulty in assessing a work-related MSD, and claimed OSHA "grossly" underestimated the potential costs of updating software systems and employers' time spent in implementing the updates.