INITIATIVE 841
To the People
Chapter 1, Laws of 2004
ERGONOMICS REGULATIONS
EFFECTIVE DATE: 12/4/03
Approved by the
People of the State of Washington
In the General Election on
November 4, 2003
ORIGINALLY FILED
January 29, 2003
Secretary of State
State of Washington
AN ACT Relating to repealing state ergonomics regulations unless a uniform federal standard is required; adding new sections to chapter 49.17 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 49.17 RCW to read as follows:
Washington must aid businesses in creating new jobs. Governor Locke's competitiveness council has identified repealing the state ergonomics regulations as a top priority for improving the business climate and creating jobs in Washington state. A broad coalition of democrats and republicans have introduced bills repeatedly to bring legislative oversight to this issue. This measure will repeal an expensive, unproven rule. This measure will aid in creating jobs and employing the people of Washington.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 49.17 RCW to read as follows:
For the purposes of this section, "state ergonomics regulations" are defined as the rules addressing musculoskeletal disorders, adopted on May 26, 2000, by the director of the department of labor and industries, and codified as WAC 296-62-05101 through 296-62-05176. The state ergonomics regulations, filed on May 26, 2000, by the director and codified as WAC 296-62-05101 through 296-62-05176 are repealed. The director shall not have the authority to adopt any new or amended rules dealing with musculoskeletal disorders, or that deal with the same or similar activities as these rules being repealed, until and to the extent required by congress or the federal occupational safety and health administration.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 3. The provisions of this act are to be liberally construed to effectuate the intent, policies, and purposes of this act.
NEW SECTION. Sec. 4. If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
Originally filed in Office of Secretary of State January 29, 2003.
Approved by the People of the State of Washington in the General Election on November 4, 2003.