Ergonomics - Washington

Currently, there is no federal regulation that governs ergonomics. Similarly, Washington has no specific requirements regarding ergonomics. Washington still has a requirement that is equivalent to OSHA's General Duty Clause for providing a safe and healthy workplace, free from recognized hazards.

However in 2024 the state agency passed RCW 49.17.520 allowing the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) to adopt one new rule every year to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The agency may adopt new rules for only one industry or risk classification per year and the first rule cannot take effect until July 1, 2026. .

Click the link(s) below to view the applicable requirements.

Ergonomics

Citations

Washington:

• RCW 49.17.060 Employer general safety standard
• RCW 49.17.520 Rules related to preventing musculoskeletal injuries.
• WAC 296-62 Occupational Health Standards

Federal: Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act

A summary of the additional requirements includes the following:

• Furnish to each of your employees a workplace free from recognized hazards that are causing or likely to cause serious injury or death. This statute is used only for citations and penalties where no applicable rule or regulation has been adopted by the department covering the unsafe or unhealthful condition of employment at the work place.
• Furnish and use safety devices and safeguards, and use practices, means, methods, operations, and processes that are reasonably adequate to keep the workplace safe. Do everything reasonably necessary to protect the life and safety of employees.
• Do not remove, displace, damage, destroy, or carry off any safety device, safeguard, notice, or warning, for use in any workplace.
• Do not interfere with the use of any safety device, safeguard, notice, or warning.
• Do not interfere with the use of any employee protection method or process in such employment or place of employment.
• Do not permit any employee to go or be in any unsafe workplace.
• Do not construct or cause to be constructed any unsafe workplace.
• Ensure that tools and equipment are safe for use.
• Establish, supervise, and enforce safe and healthful workplace rules that are effective.