Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao recently outlined principles before Congress for a new approach to dealing with ergonomics that emphasizes injury reduction, prevention, and clarity of standards.

"Ergonomics injuries are real," said Chao. "And defining the best, comprehensive approach for ergonomic injuries is not a simple process. However, guiding principles will provide a vital starting point for common understanding, a point from which consensus can be attained."

Chao's principles include the following:

Prevention. Place greater emphasis on preventing injuries before they occur.

Sound science. Any approach should be based on the best available science and research.

Incentive driven. Cooperation between the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA) and employees is a must.

Flexibility. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach.

Feasibility. Small businesses need any future action to recognize cost of compliance.

Clarity. Any approach must include short, simple, and common sense instructions.

Chao also urges lawmakers not to set an artificial deadline – one of the contributing factors to the demise of the previous ergonomics standard.

"We have made great strides in improving worker safety over the last century," said Chao. "But these improvements also demonstrate that the new century, and the new workforce, require a new approach to the safety needs of the American labor force.

"An approach based on cooperation and prevention, rather than the antiquated, adversarial approach of years past."