WHEREAS work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or cumulative trauma disorders (CTD) consist of a variety of occupationally-induced conditions generally related to tendons, muscles or joints, as well as some common peripheral nerve entrapment syndromes typically affecting the back, neck and upper and lower limbs; and

WHEREAS these injuries result from manual handling, repetitive and forceful motions, awkward or fixed postures, vibration, and other ergonomic-related hazards; and

WHEREAS WMSDs are a leading cause of workplace injury and illness in Washington State, accounting for 32 percent of all worker compensation claims accepted by the Washington Department of Labor and Industries and 46 percent of all claims costs; and

WHEREAS for the period 1990-1997, these claims totaled 426,800 and cost $2.3 billion; and

WHEREAS WMSDs affect virtually every segment of the workforce and result in pain, loss of functional capacity, and in many cases, permanent disability; and

WHEREAS ergonomic measures are available to prevent these disorders – solutions such as designing jobs, selecting tools and modifying work methods so they better fit workers’ capabilities and limits; and

WHEREAS adequate scientific data exist to take public health action as evidenced by the promulgation of workplace ergonomics standards in California, British Columbia, and a number of European countries, and by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES); and

WHEREAS the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA) recognizes that public health benefits would result from a reduction in work-related musculoskeletal disorders; and

WHEREAS the American Public Health Association has recognized this as an important public health issue and passed a similar resolution #9703, Prevention of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, and has been very active in supporting efforts by federal agencies to prevent these disorders; and

WHEREAS WSPHA recognizes that a state standard on ergonomics would be a catalyst for reducing injuries, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED that WSPHA supports the development of such a statewide standard; and further

BE IT RESOLVED that WSPHA supports the broadest possible opportunities for public involvement beyond what the law requires in the development of such a statewide standard.

Adopted by the vote of the Membership assembled at the 1999 Annual Business meeting of the Association, October 4, 1999 in Spokane, Washington.