Legislature resurrects rejected ergo rules: Just say no!
January 23, 2023
The Senate Labor & Commerce Committee has once again resurrected a measure to restore rejected ergo rules.
This despite a dramatic fight in the House last year, and despite the fact voters rejected the idea 20 years ago through a citizen’s initiative.
Costly, unnecessary and unwanted
- Ergonomic regulations cost employers billions, lead to more automation and worker displacement, and exacerbate the workforce shortage by limiting how many hours employees can legally work.
- Workers are already protected. In 2006, the state Supreme Court ruled that L&I can still require employers to address workplace musculoskeletal disorders.
- Washington voters repealed these rules in 2003 through Initiative 841.
- Businesses around the state are still trying to recover from the response to the pandemic. Ergonomics rules is the nail in the coffin for many.
- Technical assistance, education and pilot projects are the best solutions to prevent workplace injuries.
Say no to rejected ergo rules
BIAW contract lobbyist Tom Kwieciak will be testifying against this bill tomorrow on behalf of BIAW members.
Here’s your chance to tell legislators, once again, that prescriptive ergonomics rules are not the answer.
Please sign in CON on SB 5217 before the 10:30 am hearing in the Senate Labor Committee on Tuesday, Jan. 24.
Washington doesn’t need another failed ergonomics experiment.
Watch the hearing
Tune at 10:30 a.m. on Jan. 24 to watch the hearing!