Date: June 30th , 2026

Time: 1pmET | 12pm CT | 11am MT | 10am PT

Duration: 60 Minutes

Description:

Although OSHA does not have a dedicated ergonomics standard, employers are not off the hook. Under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act), OSHA requires every employer to provide a workplace free from recognized serious hazards  and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks fall squarely within that mandate. From repetitive motion injuries to strain from heavy lifting, awkward postures, and material handling, ergonomic hazards are among the most prevalent and costly workplace safety issues today.

OSHA has further intensified its focus through National Emphasis Programs (NEPs)  most notably the Warehousing & Distribution NEP  which direct inspectors to actively evaluate ergonomic conditions, issue citations, and flag hazard alerts in high-risk work environments. For employers, the stakes are high: failing to proactively address ergonomic risks can result in OSHA citations, costly litigation, and a rise in workers’ compensation claims.

This webinar features CMC attorneys who bring real-world investigation experience to walk participants through the most common ergonomic hazards, how OSHA identifies and cites them, and what employers can do right now to build a defensible, compliant ergonomics program. Whether you are preparing for an OSHA inspection or looking to reduce MSD-related injuries, this session delivers the practical guidance you need.

Major Topics:

• OSHA’s General Duty Clause & Ergonomics: How OSHA enforces ergonomics compliance without a specific standard — and what “recognized serious hazard” means in practice.
• National Emphasis Programs (NEPs): A deep dive into the Warehousing & Distribution NEP and other targeted programs that put ergonomics front and center during inspections.
• Most Common Ergonomic Hazards: Repetitive motion, awkward lifting, twisting, bending, and heavy material handling — how they are identified and cited.
• Real-World Investigation Insights: Lessons from actual OSHA ergonomics investigations and enforcement actions shared by CMC attorneys.
• OSHA Inspection Navigation: What to expect during an ergonomics-focused inspection, how inspectors evaluate MSD risks, and how to respond effectively.
• Hazard Identification Strategies: Practical tools and checklists for identifying ergonomic risks before OSHA does.
• Building a Compliant Ergonomics Program: Step-by-step guidance for designing and implementing a workplace ergonomics program that satisfies OSHA’s expectations.
• Minimizing Legal Exposure: How to document corrective actions, respond to citations, and defend against General Duty Clause violations.
• Industry-Specific Risk Profiles: High-risk sectors including warehousing, distribution, manufacturing, healthcare, and construction.

Learning Objectives

• Explain how OSHA enforces ergonomics compliance using the General Duty Clause in the absence of a specific ergonomics standard.
• Identify the most common musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks in the workplace — including repetitive motion, awkward lifting, twisting, bending, and heavy material handling.
• Describe how OSHA’s National Emphasis Programs, including the Warehousing & Distribution NEP, target ergonomic hazards during inspections.
• Recognize the triggers and processes involved in an OSHA ergonomics inspection and prepare an effective employer response.
• Apply practical hazard identification tools and worksite assessment techniques to proactively detect and address ergonomic risks.
• Develop a workplace ergonomics program that meets OSHA’s General Duty Clause requirements and reduces MSD-related injuries.
• Implement documentation and corrective action strategies that minimize legal exposure and support an employer’s defense against OSHA citations.
• Analyze real-world OSHA enforcement cases to draw actionable lessons for their own workplace safety programs

Who Will Benefit:

• EHS (Environment, Health & Safety) Directors and Managers
• Occupational Health and Safety Officers
• Safety Coordinators and Industrial Hygienists
• OSHA Compliance Specialists and Safety Consultants
• HR Directors, HR Managers, and HR Generalists
• Employee Relations Managers
• Employment Attorneys and Labor Law Counsel

About Our Speaker

Rachel L. Conn , Partner

Rachel L. Conn is a Partner and the Chair of Conn Maciel Carey’s California Practice. She is based out of the firm’s San Francisco office.Rachel’s practice focuses on Occupational Safety and Health compliance and litigation, including inspections, investigations and enforcement actions involving Cal/OSHA, Federal OSHA, and other State OSH Plans.