LANSING – State Representative Marie Donigan (D-Royal Oak) today criticized Republicans for forcing passage of legislation that will prevent the state from enacting tougher worker safety standards intended to help reduce repetitive-motion injuries. Evidence suggests implementing safety protections to reduce repetitive-motion injuries saves $2 for every $1 invested.
 “Enhancing worker safety standards will save our businesses money by raising productivity," Donigan said. "The Republicans' refusal to protect Michigan workers and businesses is outrageous. Our residents deserve better than that.”
The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that 50 percent of all worker compensation claims are from strains, sprains and repetitive-motion injuries. OSHA has conservatively estimated that "ergonomic" injuries are costing our nation’s economy more than $50 billion annually.
Evidence suggests that implementing work safety rules to reduce the number of repetitive-motion injuries pays for itself. The Grand Rapids-based company Lacks Enterprises told the House Commerce Committee that it realized a net savings of $900,000 after implementing new workplace safety protections. The California Department of Labor found that implementing changes would save businesses $9 billion by preventing injuries.
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“We must do what’s right for our workers and our businesses," Donigan said. “When we protect our workers, businesses see an increase in savings and a decrease in lost productivity and health care costs. Enacting rules to protect our workers will in turn protect our businesses, and that's a win-win situation."