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. “Draining the WCB’s poisonous wounds”
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 b) Workstation force repetition
duration
work postures
local contact stresses
b) Workstation
working reaches
working heights
seating
floor surfaces

13. d) Environmental conditions
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 www.worksafebc.com
For further information on the standard and support materials, contact the WCB website at