March 22, 2011
(517) 335-6397
Contact: Sara Wurfelwurfels@michigan.gov
LANSING, MI - Governor Rick Snyder today sent a strong message that he is committed to creating a competitive business environment where jobs can grow by signing legislation prohibiting the state from forcing businesses to comply with burdensome and unnecessary workplace ergonomics rules.
The governor called for legislation banning mandatory ergonomics rules in his State of the State address.
"We all recognize the need to ensure employee safety in the workplace, but ergonomics regulations go too far, are too costly to implement and will impede job growth." Snyder said. "The quickness with which lawmakers delivered shows they are also committed to reinventing the state as a place where the regulatory burden is low so small businesses can thrive."
Senate Bill 20, sponsored by state Sen. Rick Jones, amends the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act to prohibit a department, board or commission authorized to promulgate rules from mandating workplace ergonomic standards. The bill does, however, allow the state at the request of an employer to provide guidance, best practices information and assistance to the employer for the implementation of voluntary ergonomics programs.
California is the only state in the nation that has rules addressing ergonomics.
Senate Bill 20 is now Public Act 10 of 2011.
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