2000 Resolution - 003

back to Resolutions Archive

WHEREAS, OSHA is in the final phase of issuing an ergonomics standard which would help to prevent musculoskeletal disorders including back injuries, and

WHEREAS, While these delay tactics are occurring, nurses are continuing to experience disabling back injuries, and

WHEREAS, Even with the backing of an OSHA standard, local bargaining unit action will still be needed ensure that measures to prevent back injuries are implemented, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the NLA adopt a strong position statement on musculoskeletal disorders which includes a call for the elimination of single person lifts and the implementation of trained lifting teams which utilize assistive lifting devices, and be it further

RESOLVED, That the NLA recommend to the ANA Board of Directors that the MSD position statement be adopted ANA-wide, and be it further

RESOLVED, That health and safety training at the local bargaining unit level focus heavily on the components of an effective ergonomics program, especially knowledge about engineering controls which help to eliminate manual lifts.