Besides setting workplace-wide standards, the proposal from OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, would require businesses to install special solutions for any employee reporting an ergonomic-related injury.

Calling the proposed rules "ludicrous" and "costly", opponents have promised to go to court to block their adoption.

OSHA estimates the proposed rules would cost businesses about $4.2 billion annually, but save them over $9 billion a year from lower worker compensation payments and increased worker productivity. The rules would protect about 27 million U.S. workers from assembly line to office staff according to OSHA.

Targeting musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome suffered by some 1.8 million workers annually, cost of the proposed changes would be about $150 per employee according to OSHA.

``Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) such as back injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome are the most prevalent, most expensive and most preventable workplace injuries in the country and it is time to do something about them,'' said Labor Secretary Alexis Herman.

Among other opponents, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce calls the new OSHA rules "overly vague" and impossible for businesses to implement effectively.

"This rule would cost businesses billions of dollars, yet the benefits -- if any -- are uncertain.'' said Randall Johnson of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce who said his organization would go to court to block the OSHA rules.

Under the proposed rules, all businesses with any workers who do manual lifting or repetitive motions would be required to identify and report ergonomic problems and to train employees on how to identify and avoid injury.

Probably the most controversial new rule states than any business in which any worker reports an ergonomic injury would be required to identify and correct or eliminate the dangerous condition in that area of the workplace.

Except for those engaged in construction, maritime activities, or agriculture, any U.S. business with even one worker reporting an injury could be required to comply.