Report Critical of Efforts for Worker Protection

A report, critical of worker protection efforts, was issued by Researchers at the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.

The Center conducted a year-long analysis of successes and failures of OSHA’s 40-year history. The final report identifies strategies to improve U.S. workplaces. The document uses case studies to highlight failures of government and industry policies and practices. (WCxKit)

Among them are stories of immigrant workers killed or severely burned in house fires caused by chemicals used to refinish floors, and healthcare workers disabled by back injuries from heavy lifting and awkward postures.

Suggested reforms include “prevention through design” initiatives to design out hazards and make jobs, products, and materials inherently safer. (WCxKit)

The report concludes that the current regulatory approach to worker protection “is inadequate given the broad changes to science, technology, and policy necessary to protect workers.”

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.

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