According to a December, 2002 press release by OSHA, the agency’s delay “does not effect [sic] an employer's obligation to record workplace injuries and illnesses or keep workplaces free from hazards. However, employers will not be required to use an MSD definition to categorize cases on the OSHA Log for calendar year 2003. Instead, they must check the column for ‘injury’ or ‘all other illness’ depending on the circumstances of the case.” In October, 2001, OSHA delayed the effective date of the same set of provisions to January 1, 2003.

OSHA/Dow Chemical Create Alliance

On Monday, January 13, OSHA announced the creation of an alliance regarding safety and ergonomics with Dow Chemical Company. According to a press statement released by OSHA the alliance will enable the two groups to work together to “reduce exposure to musculoskeletal hazards, and improve safety and health programs in the workplace.” Plans for the alliance include outreach, education, information dissemination, and quarterly meetings between representatives of both OSHA and Dow for plan and procedure development.

OSHA Announces NACE Meeting Date

OSHA also announced that its National Advisory Committee on Ergonomics (NACE) will hold its first meeting on January 22 in Washington, D.C. Planned for the meeting will be the introduction of the committee’s members, an overview and history of OSHA’s involvement in ergonomics, and discussions regarding guidelines, ergonomics research, and communication. NACE is expected to meet between two and four times each year for the next two years.