Ergonomics Fact Sheet

On May 26, 2000, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) adopted an Ergonomics Rule (WAC 296-62-051). This Rule, based on the multidisciplinary science of ergonomics, has been a major initiative of L&I due to the high cost of disability claims associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD). WMSD include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and low back disorders. High claims costs due to these injuries have also been experienced here at the University.

L&I information indicates that modification of a job, work methods, or better design of tools and equipment used by a worker can achieve benefits which are significant and immediate. These benefits include decreased risk of injuries and illnesses related to the musculoskeletal system, enhanced safety and health performance; improved quality and productivity; reductions in errors; heightened worker morale; reduced workers’ compensation and operating costs; and accommodation of diverse populations, including those with disabilities.

Thus, the Ergonomics Rule is prevention based and focuses on training and interventions that can reduce employee exposure to certain risk factors specified in the Rule.

What is the Impact of the Ergonomics Rule on the University?

Like all Washington State employers, the University will be required to identify those jobs where an employee’s typical work includes certain physical risk factors. These jobs are referred to as “caution zone “ jobs

The University will need to ensure that employees working in or supervising these jobs receive ergonomics awareness education. A determination must also be made as to whether employee exposure to risk in “caution zone jobs” is great enough to represent a WMSD hazard, based on the Rule’s definitions. If a hazard is found, based on the Rule’s criteria, action must be taken to reduce the exposure below hazardous levels or to the extent technologically and economically feasible.

When does the Ergonomics Rule take Effect?

At the University, the ergonomic requirements will be phased in over a three-year period beginning July 1, 2001. The University must fully implement the hazard identification (caution zone jobs) and employee education phase by July 1, 2003. Hazard reduction to the degree feasible must occur beginning July 1, 2004.

Who will be Responsible for the University’s Ergonomics Requirements?

As with all health and safety issues at the University, responsibility and accountability for assuring the employees’ workplace meets regulatory requirements rests with the Deans, Directors, Chairs and Supervisors. As noted in the University Handbook, everyone with supervisory responsibility is expected to directly participate in assuring that safe working conditions are maintained. Supervisors provide training for those working under their direction, and each employee is required to comply with occupational health and safety regulations, including reporting unsafe conditions to his or her supervisor. Implementation of the Ergonomics Rule will follow this same system.

Deans and other administrative personnel can look to administrative units for assistance in fulfilling their responsibility. For implementation of the Ergonomics Rule this will require a multi-disciplinary approach that crosses several organizational boundaries, including Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S), Risk Management, Human Resources, Disability Services and Capital Projects.

The University Health and Safety Committees are also initiating ergonomics awareness at the organizational unit level. Since these groups report to Deans, they can also provide significant “local” assistance.

What Ergonomics Assistance is Currently Available?

The University is currently developing strategies and budget requests that will allow the campus to address the ergonomics requirements with a comprehensive approach beginning in the next biennium.

In the interim period, EH&S can provide guidance to individuals and organizational units on how they can begin to address their ergonomics issues. EH&S has traditionally provided and continues to provide ergonomic awareness training, specific training focused on back protection, and some limited technical assistance and consultation regarding ergonomic issues. Please contact EH&S at 206-543-7388 or www.ehs.washington.edu for further information.

If disability or reasonable accommodation assistance is needed, please contact the Disability Services Office at 206 543-6450, 206 543-6452 (TTY), or dso@u.washington.edu.

Questions regarding employee work-related injuries or illness claims should be referred to the Workers’ Compensation Program Manager in the Office of Risk Management at 206 616-7510 or workcomp@u.washington.edu

Additional ergonomics information is available at the L&I Ergonomics website: www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/ergo.

Revised: January 30, 2001