OSHA's 15-member National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics met for the first time on January 22, receiving its marching orders from agency chief John Henshaw.
OSHA's boss gave the group clear boundaries for action. Standards-setting, enforcement policy and research are out. "A regulatory approach to addressing ergonomics is not on OSHA's agenda, so that should not be part of the committee's discussions," said Henshaw. "Enforcement is based upon developed law and case law and is beyond the scope of this committee." The advisory committee is also not expected to conduct research, he said.