SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 6859

                    As of February 29, 2000

Title:  An act relating to safety and health standards.

Brief Description:  Allowing the department of labor and industries to regulate health standards for musculoskeletal disorders.

Sponsors:  Senators T. Sheldon, Hargrove, Snyder, Hochstatter, Hale, Loveland, Johnson, Goings, Horn, Swecker and Winsley.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Ways & Means:  2/28/2000.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS

Staff:  Brian Sims (786-7431)

Background:  The Department of Labor and Industries has proposed rules that would establish safety and health standards to reduce the incidence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD).  The proposed rules define jobs at risk of WMSDs.  The proposed rules would require employers to educate employees who work in these jobs and their supervisors about the risk factors, the symptoms of WMSDs and the importance of early reporting, and ways to reduce the risks.  The employer must analyze and reduce the WMSD risks for these jobs.

Summary of Bill:  The Department of Labor and Industries is authorized to develop safety and health rules for WMSDs.  For the first three years following final adoption for these rules, they apply only to seven state agencies (Labor and Industries, General Administration, Ecology, Transportation, Employment Security, Corrections, and Revenue).  These agencies must report to the Legislature by December 31, 2003 the difficulties and cost of implementing the rules, and the results in reduced injury rates.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Requested on February 28, 2000.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.