Bill would address work-related musculoskeletal injuries
Reprints
A bill was introduced in the Washington state House of Representatives on Jan. 10 that seeks to restore the state’s ability to address work-related musculoskeletal injuries in workers compensation.
A state initiative measure approved by the voters in 2003 repealed ergonomic regulations and barred the Department of Labor and Industries from regulating working practices to address musculoskeletal injuries. The legislature has found that the absence of regulatory authority in this area has contributed to increases in workplace injuries and costs, court documents state.
H.B. 1837 repeals the prohibition on regulating working practices related to musculoskeletal injuries, “thereby allowing targeted safety efforts to more effectively and efficiently prevent these needless workplace injuries,” the bill states.
The bill is scheduled for executive session in the House Committee on Labor & Workplace Standards on Jan. 25.
Read Next
-
Musculoskeletal disorders in comp highlight prescribing changes
Musculoskeletal disorders can be treated more effectively by medications and therapies other than opioids, according to new research that shows injuries that make up the lion’s share of workers compensation claims can avoid dangerous drug remedies.
Related Stories
-
Musculoskeletal disorders in comp highlight prescribing changes
-
Musculoskeletal injury recovery service partners with Coventry
-
