Ergonomics is the relatively new science that involves fitting the job to the worker. Ergonomics programs are aimed at preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that occur when there is a mismatch between the worker and the task. Each year 1.8 million workers experience injuries related to overexertion or repetitive motion, and 600,000 are injured severely enough to require time off work.

The almost 1,000 page OSHA rule requires all manufacturers and companies that have workers who do manual lifting or repetitive motions to institute a program to identify ergonomic issues and teach workers what to watch for to avoid injury.

OSHA's proposal has received opposition from businesses that have said the cost of implementing the plan would result in job losses and higher prices for consumers.

OSHA countered by claiming that the $4.2 billion annually to implement ergonomics programs would be more than offset by the $9 billion in annual savings from lower worker compensation payouts and other costs.

Businesses also argue that it is difficult to prove scientifically whether some injuries result from work, activities at home, or physical predispositions. Groups opposing the rule include the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which claimed it would go to court to block the rule unless the plans were radically changed, as well as Food Distributors International and the National Association of Manufacturers.

The new rules would cover a broad range of workers from nurses to baggage handlers at airports and people who work at computers or on assembly lines. About 60 percent of ergonomic injuries currently are in manufacturing and jobs that require heavy lifting, but repetitive stress injuries from office work are on the rise.

Under the proposed rules, a worker who has an ergonomic injury diagnosed by a doctor would be entitled to have his or her work environment changed to relieve the cause. OSHA has said that the cost of fixing a workstation averages $150 per year.

Also, a worker who must be assigned to lighter duty during recovery from ergonomic injury would be guaranteed normal pay and benefits. A worker who must leave the job altogether would be guaranteed 90 percent pay and full benefits during recovery.

At workplaces with numerous incidents of ergonomic injury, employers would have to provide workers medical help and safety re-training in addition to repairing physical problems.

This proposal is OSHA's first attempt at establishing programs that limit employee exposure to working conditions that could contribute to disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, back pain, and tendonitis.

The agency expects to issue a final rule late next year after public hearings, which begin on Feb. 22, and input from interested parties.

Every company, except those engaged in construction, maritime activities or agriculture could potentially have to comply if they have one injured worker. A complete copy of the proposed rule is available from the federal register.