ErgoHOWL

Quarter Three 2023

State Ergonomics Standards: New & Changing Requirements

When implementing ergonomic changes, sometimes the push back from employers is the question of: What do we HAVE to do? While the United States does not have a federal ergonomics standard that applies to all states, some individual states have developed their own ergonomics standards and regulations. These state-level standards primarily pertain to specific industries and are not uniform across the country.

Currently there are only 5 states that currently have ergonomics standards in place including: California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, and Minnesota. Two of those states: Washington and Minnesota have made significant changes to their ergonomics requirements and it’s important that employers are up-to-date on regulations.

Washington State Ergonomics Changes

In 2000, Washington state was on the forefront of ergonomics regulations and requirements and introduced a new standard to help prevent musculoskeletal disorders. However, in 2003, voters decided to repeal the standard due to concerns that it was too restrictive for businesses to operate effectively. This summer, the standard was revisited and as of July 23, 2023, businesses in Washington State are again required to adhere to a state-specific ergonomic standard.

The new law allows the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries to create ergonomic standards for industries with rates that are greater than two times the state’s overall worker’s compensation musculoskeletal claim rate for the past five years. However, L & I can only enact one rule per year. What this means for employers is that they must stay up-to-date on if their industry is included in any new regulations each year.

Fortunately, Washington L&I has a significant number of resources to help ensure that employers are satisfying the requirements and will even send out an ergonomist at no cost.

While there are no significant actions required for employers currently, it will be important for them to stay informed and keep themselves in compliance.

Minnesota Ergonomics Changes

Minnesota’s new ergonomics requirements are the first time that the state has enacted legislation specifically around musculoskeletal disorders. The new requirements target 3 industries: Healthcare, Warehouse Distribution Centers, and Meat Packing.

The main requirements are that each employer in the identified industries must maintain and enforce a written ergonomics program. These programs must encompass the following components:

  1. A comprehensive assessment designed to pinpoint and mitigate musculoskeletal disorder risk factors within the facility.
  2. Initial and ongoing training of employees, emphasizing the significance of ergonomics and the importance of promptly reporting any early signs of musculoskeletal disorders.
  3. Procedures to ensure the prompt reporting of musculoskeletal disorders to prevent symptom progression, serious injuries, and lost-time claims.
  4. A mechanism for employees to propose potential solutions for reducing, managing, or eradicating workplace musculoskeletal disorders.
  5. Protocols to guarantee that physical plant modifications and major construction projects align with program objectives.
  6. Yearly evaluations of the ergonomics program and additional assessments whenever alterations to the work process occur.

Employers are also obliged to conduct an annual evaluation of the program to gauge its effectiveness. Furthermore, they must provide pre-employment training for new hires and furnish current employees with initial and ongoing annual training in accordance with the employer’s ergonomics program. Records of this training must be maintained. The commissioner is expected to furnish training materials to all employers upon request, free of charge, and specific employers may be eligible for a grant program.

It’s important to note that the provisions of the law will take effect on January 1, 2024.

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace safety, ergonomics legislation is expected to continue its upward trend. As lawmakers recognize the importance of safeguarding employee health and reducing musculoskeletal disorders, more states are likely to implement ergonomics standards. However, responsible employers should not wait for regulations to compel action. Implementing good ergonomics practices benefits both employees and businesses by enhancing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and fostering a healthier, happier workforce. Beyond compliance, it’s a strategic investment in well-being. While legislation may vary, the commitment to ergonomic principles should remain, as it’s not just a legal requirement but a business imperative.

Note that ergonomics regulations and standards can change over time, and it’s essential to consult the respective state labor departments or OSHA agencies for the most current information regarding ergonomics requirements in each state. Additionally, many states may follow general OSHA guidelines related to ergonomics as part of their workplace safety efforts, even if they don’t have specific ergonomics standards in place.

Backpacks: Shifting the Load to Your Advantage

Backpacks originated in the late 19th century as a way for hunters and military to carry equipment while freeing their hands for other tasks.  The functionality and versatility of the backpack has grown as its application has spread from diaper bags to school bags to gym bags to hydration bags to technology & tool bags and beyond.  No matter whether you use a backpack personally or not, you are surrounded by individuals who use backpacks daily. Let’s review some considerations to make when selecting a backpack.

Understand the Bag’s Purpose

Start by reviewing the projected contents of the pack, as some of the following variables may be decided on by the contents and frequency of access.  If tools are going to be packed and carried, then having specific pockets for the tools becomes helpful to the user’s organization and access.  Laptop bags should have a specific sleeve that fits and holds the computer securely.  Pack material also may be determined at this stage if, for example, the user needs a see-through pack for working in a secure location.

Opening Style

The number of openings or access points in a backpack may depend on its function.  Having a bag that has a single point of entry may not be the best style for a diaper bag or a first responder’s kit.  However, a water resistant or waterproof backpack should have as few entry points as possible to protect the contents from water damage.  Laptop bags could be a clamshell design to allow access to storage areas and easy passage through airport security.

Weight Carried

The target weight of a backpack and its contents should not exceed 30% of an adult user’s body weight and 15% of a child’s body weight. When users exceed these recommended limits it places them at higher risk for several health concerns such as musculoskeletal symptoms and signs like discomfort, redness, and swelling.  Extended use places them at a higher risk for developing a musculoskeletal disorder.

In most cases, the style and number of straps on a backpack can help with weight distribution.  Lightweight packs can have two shoulder straps, while packs designed to carry higher weights may have shoulder, waist and chest straps.  When carrying a laptop bag from location to location, having two shoulder straps is most efficient; However, maintenance technicians who carry backpacks filled with tools and parts on ladders, stairs and into tight places may want shoulder, waist and chest straps to stabilize their pack.

Shoulder straps can be straight, contoured or bridged.  Straight and bridged shoulder straps provide the ability to carry the pack with both arms, but do not contribute much to the overall comfort and weight distribution of the pack.  By choosing backpacks with contoured shoulder straps, there is a lower likelihood of the straps being uncomfortable or placing unwanted pressure on the torso.  

Waist straps help to distribute the weight load to the hips, relieving shoulder pressure.  They also provide an extra level of pack load distribution. If a backpack is equipped with a waist strap, it should be tightened prior to the shoulder straps to ensure the load is supported by the hips.

The primary purpose of a sternum strap is to alleviate pressure from your shoulders and distribute the weight evenly across your chest. A chest strap helps keep the shoulder straps in place and reduces swaying of the pack while providing comfort and stability. In addition, this strap changes how the weight is distributed across your chest and shoulders for better load management.

User Size and Comfort

 Most users may not know backpacks come in small, medium, and large sizes and should match the anthropometry of the user. Choosing the correct size of backpack can provide comfort and help with load distribution.  The pack should fit between the base of your neck (or the C7 vertebrae) and the top of the hip bones (or the iliac crest).

Features like ventilation or lumbar support contribute to the overall comfort of the pack while in use.  Whether it is built into a pack or is an aftermarket add, having ventilation on a pack may help some users regulate their temperature better while carrying the pack. 

Pass-through Ports and Gear Loops

Depending on the environment the pack will be used in, pass-through ports for communication devices or hydration may be desired features. Supporting communication devices securely is important when the user needs both hands to perform tasks safely.  Ensuring workers stay hydrated during the workday is essential to their health.  Carrying hydration to remote areas helps to encourage consumption even when the environment may not be conducive to providing hydration stations.  Couriers, construction, and tower maintenance teams are examples where pass-through ports for communication purposes and hydration would be important.

Gear loops allow the user to efficiently carry awkwardly shaped, frequently used or dirty items on the outside of the pack. 

By considering these features of a backpack, users can make informed decisions on the style of pack selected.  If a pack style is chosen for a work group, ensure training is provided on proper usage of the available features.