Event Details

Advisory Committee: Ergonomics, Scheduled Airlines Ground Crew Operations Rulemaking

Advisory Committee or Board Meeting
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
10 a.m. – Noon

Location

Meeting registration (Zoom):
https://lni-wa-gov.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ytmRASPUT9WPTX_y4glBRQ

By phone (audio only):
253-215-8782 or 253-205-0468

Meeting ID: 868 2175 9197
Passcode: 250808261

After registering, individuals will receive a separate meeting invitation from Zoom. The notice will include meeting specifics, including a unique password to join the meeting. Please do not forward or share this password with others.

Link to stakeholder page: https://lni.wa.gov/safety-health/safety-rules/rulemaking-stakeholder-information/air-transportation-ergo#overview

Interpretation: No, interpreters will not be available at this meeting.

Details

The Department of Labor & Industries filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry on October 29, 2024 (WSR 24-22-067). The purpose of this rulemaking is to establish a new chapter or section in rule to address ergonomics for Scheduled Airlines – Ground Crew Operations, Risk Class 6802. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for at least one-third of all workers’ compensation claims that result in time loss, are more severe than the average nonfatal injury or illness, and are a common cause of long-term disability in the state. In 2023, the Washington state legislature enacted Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill (ESSB) 5217 (Chapter 112, Laws of 2023), codified under RCW 49.17.520, allowing L&I to adopt rules to prevent WMSDs in industries or risk classes that see workers compensation claims for WMSDs at least two times the overall state rate. Only one rule for either an industry or risk classification can be adopted within a 12-month period. L&I is initiating the first rulemaking for Scheduled Airlines - Ground Crew Operations under Risk Class 6802, as defined under WAC 296-17A-6802.

The purpose of this first Advisory Committee meeting is to share with Committee members a summary of the legislation and process used to identify the first industry, rulemaking efforts to date, rulemaking principles, role of the Committee and its members, and rulemaking next steps. Members of the public may also attend.

Contact information:
Please contact Beth Covert or Cathy Coates if you have questions.