Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for nearly 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 passed 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 selected Scheduled Airlines - Ground Crew Operations, Risk Class 6802, which has a WMSD claim rate of more than 10 times the overall state rate, for the first rulemaking effort.

As directed by RCW 49.17.520, L&I published an initial report of industries and risk classifications eligible for rulemaking in November 2023, identifying 31 high priority industries and risk classes most likely to be selected for future rulemaking. The 2023 high priority list was then narrowed to five industries and risk classes, with the final selection for the first rulemaking effort being Scheduled Airlines – Ground Crew Operations, Risk Class 6802.

The rule will cover WMSD hazards for ground crew workers employed by businesses operating scheduled airlines who are assigned the risk class 6802 in L&I’s workers’ compensation system, excluding those in subclass 6802-01, as required by RCW 49.17.520(d). Rules adopted by implementing this legislation cannot go into effect earlier than July 1, 2026, and at least 120 days after the rule is adopted by filing a CR-103.

Learn more about the Ergonomics rulemaking.

L&I has proposed the following timeline for adopting rules:

Previous Stakeholder Meetings

• January 9, 2025 (virtual)
• January 22, 2025 (virtual)

Preproposal rule filing

• Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) October 29, 2024

Meeting Materials

• Meeting presentation January 9, 2025
• Meeting presentation January 22, 2025

Background information

• Report to Legislature required under RCW 49.17.520(4) (January, 2025)
• Ergonomic Rulemaking for Scheduled Airlines – Ground Crew Operations: Questions and Answers
• Ergonomic Rule Development Roadmap
• Rules related to preventing musculoskeletal injuries (RCW 49.17.520)
• Initial Report of Industries and Risk Classifications Eligible for Rulemaking, 2023

Purpose

As directed by RCW 49.17.520(6), L&I assembled an advisory committee representing equal parts business and labor representatives in the Scheduled Airlines – Ground Crews Risk Class. This committee will provide recommendations to L&I during the rules development process.

Read the Advisory Committee Charter to learn more about this committee.

Advisory Committee Meetings

Unless otherwise requested by the members, meetings will be held virtually. Meetings are open to the public, and any interested party may attend to observe the meeting.