European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 22, 1994, Darmstadt, Hesse                              Corre proposed rules to require that workstations fit the worker by Kerri s. Smith Scripps Howard news services proposed government regulations will make employers responsible for the ergonomic Well being of their workers. A health and safety category Only dimly understood in Many quarters. But in this age of desk jobs keyboards and repetitive factory tasks ergonomic disorders Are the most rapidly growing group of work related illnesses according to the . Bureau of labor statistics. What constitutes an ergonomic Hazard it could be something As innocuous As a Standard desk or chair that can t be adjusted for a worker s height and size. The problems that develop Over time in hands wrists backs and necks Range from minor annoyances to Complete disability. The new regulations come from the . Occupational safety and health administration which is putting them out for Public comment this month. There will be several months of hearings expected to draw Large audiences especially from business before final rules Are issued. In their present form the proposed regulations state that companies will be completely responsible for preventing workers from getting work related Tuscul skeletal disorders " if workstations Don t comply with the proposed regulations which could become Law As Early As 1995 the company is in trouble said David Carson of Ergo flex systems in Larkspur Colo. Employers will have to fix the Job. If you have 500 data input operators and there is a problem with their workstations you have to fix All 500 of them Carson said. " Vav " Many business owners Are unaware that they will face hefty fines unless they identify and fix on the Job hazards. But some smart employers already Are addressing ergonomic hazards in their workplaces. A c&4?$&i of office workers should be Able to adjust their workstations to fit them Nof the other Way around not factory workers who repeat the same motion and same Job All Day Long Are Likely to face muscle problems. Not improving technology increased automation an aging work Force and greater awareness among workers is spurring the leap in reported problems said Osha official Jerry Ryan. Companies that Are trying out new office furniture and equipment with an Eye to reducing workers exposure to ergonomic risks Are on the right track he added. As a Businessperson if i were to spend any Money on safety ergonomics is where i would spend it because it will have great effect and you will be paid Back Ryan said. If you have people at computers eight hours a Day 40 hours a week you have repetitive motion problems and it is affecting production morale and  Carson got interested in ergonomic office equipment and furniture after us West communications solicited bids from his employer to build adjustable worktable. The business went to another company but the episode persuaded Carson and a partner to found Ergo flex. They have spent the ensuing 21/2 years developing an electrically operated adjustable table