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Only in California - Employers Face Ergonomics Standards
California has become the only state to have a standard aimed at controlling
repetitive motion injuries (called RMIs) in the workplace. While court challenges
remain (employers claiming the standard is too much, labor claiming the standard
is not enough), Cal/OSHA's ergonomics standard went into effect on July
3rd.
The standard only applies to employers with 10 or more workers (but see below),
among whom there have been two or more RMIs within the last 12 months. Affected
employers must perform a worksite evaluation and develop a training program
to minimize future RMIs. (Note: as of this writing, the trial court had
stricken
the exemption for employers with fewer than ten employees. It's not yet clear
what impact that order will have on actual enforcement, but this is an issue
that may impact all business.)
Ross' Review: There no longer is any excuse for not taking
ergonomics seriously. From computer stations to manufacturing facilities,
be receptive to furnishings, fixtures and equipment that have documented ergonomic
qualities, and be very responsive to employees' complaints on the subject.
Large employers, where two such complaints are to be anticipated, should be
active in justifying and indeed, providing for the ergonomics of their workplace.
In any event, all employers should be on alert as to the need for immediate
action when that first RMI is reported by an employee.
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