ERGONOMICS RULE

05/25/00

Summary of Ergonomics Rule

The rule has eight key elements:

1. The rule applies only to employers with "caution zone jobs," those where any employee's typical work includes physical risk factors specified in the rule. "Caution zone jobs" are not prohibited and they may not be hazardous.

2. Employers with "caution zone jobs" must ensure that employees working in or supervising these jobs receive ergonomics awareness education. These employers also must analyze the caution zone jobs to determine if they have hazards.

3. Employers may choose their own method and criteria for identifying and reducing WMSD hazards or may use the department's specified criteria.

4. If jobs have WMSD hazards the employer must reduce exposures below hazardous levels or to the degree feasible.

5. Employers must provide for and encourage employee participation.

6. An extended implementation schedule based on industry type and employer size allows employers, especially small businesses, ample time to prepare for compliance.

7. The department will establish Demonstration Projects with employers and employees to test and improve ergonomics guides and models, industry best practices, and inspection policies and procedures.

8. Employers may continue to use effective methods of reducing WMSD hazards that were in place before the rule adoption date.

This must be completed by 7/1/03

Source: Concise Explanatory Statement and Cost-Benefit Analysis from: http://lni.wa.gov/wisha/regs/ergo2000/ces-cba.htm#CES

TOOLS FOR COMPLIANCE:

1) Download and review the UW Steps to Ergonomics Compliance Form

2) Download and use the UW Ergonomics Evaluation Tool for each work unit

3) If no caution zones are found, you are finished. If they ARE found:

4) ergonomics awareness training for the employees with CZJs and their supervisors must be completed within 30 days.

5) EHS recommends the following to ensure training requirements are met:

     A) Provide employee with Ergonomics Awareness Handout

     B) Have employee review L&I Powerpoint WAC 296-62-051:      Preventing Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)

     C) Have employee watch EHS supplied video on Ergonomics. A      copy of the video is available from Mark Squire (3-8220), or      online@: http://www.lni.wa.gov/wisha/ergo/ergoed.htm

 6) REMEMBER TO DOCUMENT THE TRAINING! The checklist  has a section at the end for this purpose.

Additional information is available from:

UW EHS Ergonomics Page

Department of Labor & Industries Ergonomic Awareness Website

ERGONOMICS

What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use. Ergonomics comes into everything which involves people. Work systems, sports and leisure, health and safety should all embody ergonomics principles if well designed.

How do you use Ergonomics?

Ergonomics incorporates elements from many subjects including anatomy, physiology, psychology and design. Ergonomists apply their diverse knowledge to ensure that products and environments are comfortable, safe and efficient for people to use.

What is Ergonomic Design?

Ergonomic design is a way of considering design options to ensure that people's capabilities and limitations are taken into account. This helps to ensure that the product is fit for use by the target users.

 

Visit the sites listed below for information!

The Ergonomics Society

Ergonomics Fact Sheet