SB 5882.E - DIGEST

(AS OF SENATE 2ND READING 5/03/01)

     Expresses the wish to accelerate ergonomics awareness education.

     Wants to ensure that pilot demonstration projects for various industries, as contained in the department's implementation plan for the agency's rules to reduce musculoskeletal disorder, are carried out for key industries; that alternative musculoskeletal disorder reduction techniques can be tried; that certain information is obtained from all projects; and that the projects are initiated and completed so information to reduce injuries can be distributed as soon as possible, and the legislature and all interested parties can review the results of the projects.

     Requests the joint legislative audit and review committee to review the rules adopted by the department of labor and industries, and the results of the pilot demonstration projects, and make recommendations regarding the rules, alternatives to the rules, and the need for implementation.

     Directs the department to carry out comprehensive pilot demonstration projects on the technological and economic feasibility of implementing the rules 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 department shall, at the earliest date possible and within existing resources, establish pilot demonstration projects for industries first required to come into compliance with the rule.

     Requires the pilot demonstration projects for these industries to be completed, to the maximum extent possible, by July 1, 2003.

     Authorizes the department to adopt rules regarding the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, also know as ergonomics rules, however, such rules shall provide for implementation no earlier than:  (1) July 1, 2005, for all employers in Standard Industrial Classification codes 078, 152, 174, 175, 176, 177, 242, 421, 451, 541, 805, and 836 who employ fifty or more annual full-time equivalents in Washington state, and for the Washington state department of labor and industries;

     (2) July 1, 2006, for the remaining employers in Standard Industrial Classification codes 078, 152, 174, 175, 176, 177, 242, 421, 451, 541, 805, and 836, and all other employers who employ fifty or more annual full-time equivalents in Washington state;

     (3) July 1, 2007, for all other employers employing eleven to forty-nine annual full-time equivalents in Washington state; and

     (4) July 1, 2008, for all other employers employing ten or fewer annual full-time equivalents in Washington state.

     Requires the director, in consultation with the WISHA advisory committee, to establish a program to provide safety and health impact grants to prevent injuries and illnesses, save lives, and educate Washington employees and employers about work place hazards and safe work place practices.