July 29, 2002—A judge upheld the state of Washington’s new ergonomics rule on July 12, 2002. The ruling rejected a business coalition’s contention that the department exceeded its authority under state law, acted arbitrarily and capriciously, and did not properly follow rule-making requirements. The Washington Department of Labor and Industry said that today’s court ruling affirms that the state acted properly when it adopted these regulations, but the coalition has said it will appeal the ruling.
The rule requires employers to protect their employees from work-related injuries such as back strain, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The rule took effect July 1, 2002. Enforcement will be phased in over the next seven years, beginning July 1, 2004. The Washington Department of Labor and Industry is working with businesses and employee groups to conduct comprehensive education and outreach efforts.
Each year, 50,000 workers in Washington state suffer work-related musculoskeletal injuries. The injuries cost the state’s workers’ compensation system more than $411 million a year in medical treatment and partial wage replacement payments. Based on a release from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
