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The successful development
of an ergonomics standard
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Criteria of success
Address the risk Match current knowledge Provide problem-solving
framework Provide equal protection Support of affected
communities
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“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
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Review models Administrative Community In BC, community model
used with• 200 employer and worker
representatives• 125 health and safety
professionals• 30 consultative
committees
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The review process
Ergonomics subcommittee
Senior advisory committee
Governing body Public hearings
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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”
Business in Vancouver June 21-27
“Just when you thought WCB costs were high, here come
ergonomic regulations”
Daily News Sept 21“WCB workplace plans draw praise, criticism”
The Vancouver Sun, Dec 20“Draining the WCB’s poisonous wounds”
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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
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Ergonomics (MSI) requirements
Riskidentification
Riskassessment
Risk controlEducationand training
Evaluation
Consultation
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Title: Ergonomics (MSI) requirements
Issues– professional ergonomist
perspective– limit of application– worker/employer perspective
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Scope
All workplaces
MSIs, not adverse health effects
Emphasis on sprains, strains and inflammations
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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
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Specific factorsa) Physical demands
•force•repetition•duration•work postures•local contact stresses
b) Workstation•working reaches•working heights•seating•floor surfaces
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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
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Risk control
Eliminate or minimize risk
Engineering and administrative controls
Interim and permanent controls
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Education and training
Educate workers at risk of MSI–early signs and symptoms–potential health effects
Train workers in measures to control risk
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Evaluation
Monitor effectiveness
Annual evaluation
Correct deficiencies
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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
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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
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Impact of the new requirements
High profile Industry and labour initiatives Revised compensation
adjudication procedures Regulatory activity -
inspections and consultation Impact on claims
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Relative frequencies of orders
Risk identification Risk assessment Risk control Education and training Evaluation and consultation
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27282930313233343536
1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998
% of all claims due to overexertion and RMI
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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
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Thank you
For further information on the standard and support materials,
contact the WCB website at
www.worksafebc.com