H-3661.1 _______________________________________________
HOUSE BILL 2387
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State of Washington 56th Legislature 2000 Regular Session
By Representatives Clements, B. Chandler, Radcliff, McMorris, G. Chandler, Schindler, Benson, Lambert and D. Sommers
Read first time 01/12/2000. Referred to Committee on Commerce & Labor.
AN ACT Relating to safety and health standards for work-related musculoskeletal disorders; and amending RCW 49.17.040.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
Sec. 1. RCW 49.17.040 and 1973 c 80 s 4 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the director shall make, adopt, modify, and repeal rules and regulations governing safety and health standards for conditions of employment as authorized by this chapter after a public hearing in conformance with the administrative procedure act and the provisions of this chapter. At least thirty days prior to such public hearing, the director shall cause public notice of such hearing to be made in newspapers of general circulation in this state, of the date, time, and place of such public hearing, along with a general description of the subject matter of the proposed rules and information as to where copies of any rules and regulations proposed for adoption may be obtained and with a solicitation for recommendations in writing or suggestions for inclusion or changes in such rules to be submitted not later than five days prior to such public hearing. Any preexisting rules adopted by the department of labor and industries relating to health and safety standards in work places subject to the jurisdiction of the department shall remain effective insofar as such rules are not inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) of this section, the director may not adopt rules governing safety and health standards for work-related musculoskeletal disorders caused by awkward postures, high hand force, repetitive motion, repeated impacts, awkward lifting, vibration, or similar physical tasks.
(3) By July 1, 2000, the director shall adopt by rule safety and health standards to reduce employee exposure to workplace hazards that can cause or aggravate work-related musculoskeletal disorders, including hazards caused by awkward postures, high hand force, repetitive motion, repeated impacts, awkward lifting, and vibration. The standards shall apply only to the department of labor and industries and a state agency, to be designated by the governor, with an appointed executive. The rule expires four years after the date of adoption. The legislature shall not appropriate funds for the purposes of implementing this subsection.
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