July 15, 2002—The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) has established an Ergonomics Task Force to recommend approaches the DLI can take to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in Minnesota. The task force will review Minnesota’s current approach to ergonomic issues, review ergonomic approaches used in other jurisdictions, listen to public testimony, and submit its recommendations to the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.
The 20 task force members, selected for their interest, expertise, and experience with ergonomic issues and MSDs, represent stakeholders from labor, business, government, trade associations, academia, the medical field, and insurance companies.
The US Department of Labor defines a work-related MSD as an injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs. MSDs do not include disorders caused by slips, trips, falls, motor-vehicle accidents, or similar accidents. During 1993 to 2000, MSDs generally accounted for 41 percent of all Minnesota workers’ compensation indemnity claims (those that resulted in the payment of wage-loss or disability benefits). Back injuries usually account for more than half of the MSD claims, with arm and hand injuries accounting for another quarter. MSDs potentially occur as a result of awkward postures, repetitive motion, repeated impacts, or heavy, frequent, or awkward lifting.
Public testimony will be taken at five of the six Ergonomics Task-Force roundtable meetings. Due to the heightened interest in this topic, DLI has established public testimony guidelines, which can be viewed on the DLI site.
