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The successful development of an ergonomics standard

The successful development of an ergonomics standard Criteria of success Address the risk Match current knowledge Provide problem-solving framework Provide equal protection Support of affected communities “Ergonomics” claims - the impact On average, each year 1/3 of all claims

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The successful development of an ergonomics standard

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  1. The successful development of an ergonomics standard

  2. Criteria of success • Address the risk • Match current knowledge • Provide problem-solving framework • Provide equal protection • Support of affected communities

  3. “Ergonomics” claims - the impact On average, each year • 1/3 of all claims • 26,200 claims • 1,107,000 days lost • $136,367,000 in claims costs

  4. Review models • Administrative • Community In BC, community model used with • 200 employer and worker representatives • 125 health and safety professionals • 30 consultative committees

  5. The review process Governing body Public hearings Senior advisory committee Ergonomics subcommittee

  6. Business in Vancouver June 21-27 “Just when you thought WCB costs were high, here come ergonomic regulations” The Vancouver Sun Sept 15 “Keyboard not necessarily the culprit in computer-related pain” The Vancouver Province Sept 18 “A formula for confusion” Nelson News, November 10 “Businesses condemn ergonomics” The Vancouver Sun Sept 27 “Ergonomic talks spur “big lies”, “tantrums” Daily News Sept 22 “Workers, employers at odds over WCB” Daily News Sept 21 “WCB workplace plans draw praise, criticism” The Vancouver Sun, Dec 20 “Draining the WCB’s poisonous wounds”

  7. Issues raised at hearings • 1/3 of claims are musculoskeletal • There are no regulations to protect workers • MSIs cause extensive human suffering • Delink code from regulation • Epidemic of claims may result • Organization of work is a management matter • Regulation will impact economy • Workplace factors of little significance • There is no proof regulation will reduce injuries • Only existing general duty requirements are needed

  8. Ergonomics (MSI) requirements Risk identification Risk assessment Evaluation Consultation Education and training Risk control

  9. Title: Ergonomics (MSI) requirements • Issues • professional ergonomist perspective • limit of application • worker/employer perspective

  10. Scope • All workplaces • MSIs, not adverse health effects • Emphasis on sprains, strains and inflammations

  11. Risk/job factors • Used for both risk identification and assessment • 18 factors in 5 groups • Groups • physical demands • layout and condition of the workstation • characteristics of objects handled • environmental conditions • organization of work

  12. Specific factors a) Physical demands • force • repetition • duration • work postures • local contact stresses b) Workstation • working reaches • working heights • seating • floor surfaces

  13. c) Objects handled • size • shape • load condition • weight distribution • handles d) Environmental conditions • e.g. cold temperature e) Organization of work • work-recovery cycles • task variability • work rate

  14. Risk control • Eliminate or minimize risk • Engineering and administrative controls • Interim and permanent controls

  15. Education and training • Educate workers at risk of MSI • early signs and symptoms • potential health effects • Train workers in measures to control risk

  16. Evaluation • Monitor effectiveness • Annual evaluation • Correct deficiencies

  17. Consultation • With committee or representative on • risk identification, assessment and control • content and delivery of education and training • evaluation of compliance measures • During a risk assessment, consult with • workers with signs or symptoms of MSI • representative sample of workers doing the work

  18. Support materials • Role of code of practice? • Prepare smaller documents on specific topics – Applicability of risk factors – Understanding risks – Industry-specific codes – Policies and guidelines

  19. Impact of the new requirements • High profile • Industry and labour initiatives • Revised compensation adjudication procedures • Regulatory activity - inspections and consultation • Impact on claims

  20. Relative frequencies of orders • Risk identification • Risk assessment • Risk control • Education and training • Evaluation and consultation

  21. % of all claims due to overexertion and RMI

  22. In conclusion • The risk to worker health is massive • Ergonomics is sufficiently advanced to justify a standard • A standard is essential to a control strategy • A standard can be achieved

  23. Thank you For further information on the standard and support materials, contact the WCB website at www.worksafebc.com

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