In 2000, the Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) adopted specific workplace ergonomics regulations requiring employers to reduce worker exposure to specific workplace hazards that cause or contribute to work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
 
Initiative 841, passed by the voters in 2003, repealed the existing ergonomics regulations.  The initiative also prohibited L&I from adopting similar regulations or otherwise regulating working practices to prevent musculoskeletal disorders, until and to the extent required by the federal government.
 
L&I retains general authority to enforce against ergonomic-related workplace hazards under the general duty clause of the Washington Industrial Safety and Health Act (WISHA), which requires employers to furnish employees with a place of employment free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury or death to the employees.

The restrictions on the adoption of new or amended rules dealing with musculoskeletal disorders, or that deal with the same or similar activities as the repealed state ergonomics regulations under WISHA are removed, except that the restriction remains for employee home offices until and to the extent required by the federal government.

Prior to January 1, 2027, L&I is limited to adopting standards focusing on a particular industry or occupation and may not adopt more than one standard in any 12-month period.  The first rule is limited to employers with employees performing janitorial and building cleaning services.  When adopting an industry or occupation-specific rule, L&I must report the criteria for selecting the specific industry or occupation that is subject to the rule.  The limit on rule making does not apply to rules adopted or amended where required by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Legislative findings and intentions are made. 

• Prohibits L&I from adopting more than one industry or occupation standard per year until January 1, 2027.  Limits the first rule to employers with employees performing janitorial and building cleaning services.  Requires L&I when adopting an industry or occupation specific rule to report the criteria for selecting the specific industry that is subject to the rule.
• Replaces intent section language regarding the severity of work-related musculoskeletal injuries with findings regarding a decline in such injuries over a specified period.

The committee recommended a different version of the bill than what was heard.  PRO: We have come a long way over the last 20 years, including the science and understanding of ergonomics and how repetitive motions and musculoskeletal injuries are impacting workers in a diverse sector of different  workplaces.  The bill will have a positive benefit for workers to work more safely and address those injuries.
 
Workers told stories of injuries and pain from repetitive motions, including from janitorial workers, and injuries and having to choose to be out of work for repeated surgeries and recovery at a reduce workers' compensation wages.  Some workers had to choose to recover or return to work early and risk further injuries.  Clearer rules would help these workers.  This bill is about prevention.   The current authority doesn’t provide prevention and clarity of the rules.  Certain industries have a high rate of injuries.
 
There is a strong correlation between pain and addiction of opioids.  Many workers report chronic pain.  There were more than 1200 overdose deaths last year. These regulations can help businesses save money and help with the opioid crisis. 
 
CON: Employers are not against ergonomics or safety.  They are against unreasonable regulations.  Twenty years later, there is no scientific consensus on causes and cures of repetitive motions and injuries. L&I's rules couldn’t answer the question of how many motions are too many. They still cannot do that today. Business understands that safety pays and cares about their workers.  Targeted technical assistance is the answer especially to small businesses and is already available.  A one-size fits all regulation is not the answer. 
 
There has been a decrease in these injuries over the year.  Washington has one of the best records in this area.  L&I already has the general rule.  It will only result in more cost to everyone, especially small businesses.
 
OTHER:  The general rule is not preventative and only used in the worst situation after many injuries.  This is not very transparent for employers.  The bill does not react to the prior rules.  For each dollar of WC cost, an employer has additional costs with reduced work, and hiring new workers and employees have many costs related to these injuries.