RSI Proposal Doesn’t Stress Critical Point

The focus of “Unions Back Ergonomic Proposal” (Jan. 18) gives little attention to the most critical point of the issue. Instead of focusing on the political ramifications of regulations, you would do better to examine the everyday facts. Namely, there is no consensus from the medical and scientific communities as to the causes of ergonomic disorders, often called repetitive stress injuries, and, more important, there is no consensus for cures or treatments.

A regulation cannot create a fix if a fix doesn’t exist.

For instance, a new study by two respected occupational specialists who have advised OSHA in the past--Howard Sandler and Richard Blume--indicates federal OSHA may have distorted scientific research to justify its efforts to regulate ergonomics.

Cal/OSHA is up against a wall with a mandate forcing it to issue an ergonomic regulation to minimize these injuries before there is any known method to accomplish that task. That’s why repealing the mandate, by passing Assembly Bill 50, is the only common-sense approach.

THOMAS R. LUEVANO

Vice President Human

Resources/Governance

California Healthcare Assn.