Several construction groups, including the Associated General Contractors, Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Associated Builders and Contractors, are appealing an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) decision to publish a voluntary “consensus” standard for musculoskeletal injuries. The groups will be represented at a Feb. 7 ANSI review-panel hearing.
The organizations oppose the standard, contending it would result in citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration even though it is deemed “voluntary,” says Pete Chaney, MCAA director of safety and health.
They also argue there is insufficient evidence to show a link between construction practices and musculoskeletal injuries.
Matt Esterbrook, an associate with the Washington, D.C., office of Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, the law firm representing the employer groups, says, “When you have a consensus standard that is rejected and opposed by every construction employer, that does not represent a consensus.”
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