The successful development of an ergonomics standard:

The BC experience

Peter Goyert CCPE

A brief history

• 1992 WCB initiated an open and comprehensive review of OH&S regulations.

• Formed ergonomics sub-committee to develop regulatory proposals for ergonomics

• Deliberated for 16 months on its area of mandate• Forwarded proposals (including Code of Practice)

for consideration December 1993

A brief history

• 1994 Public Hearings• 1995 Code of Practice was ‘de-linked’ from

regulation• 1996 stakeholder groups agreed on wording• 1998 regulation went into force• 1999 regulation was fully enforceable after

one year phase in period

Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) claims statistics

On average, each year

• 1/3 of all claims

• 26,200 claims

• 1,107,000 days lost

• $136,367,000 in claims costs

Who was involved in the regulation development?

• In British Columbia• Employer

representatives

• Labour representatives

• WCB health and safety professionals

Issues raised at public hearings

• From those in favour of the regulation.• Large numbers of MSI claims

• There are no regulations to protect workers

• MSIs cause extensive human suffering

Issues raised at public hearings

• From those against the regulation.• No proof that regulation will reduce injuries• Workplace factors of little significance• Will negatively affect economy• Epidemic of claims will result• Regulation too onerous and “never ending”

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”

Business in Vancouver June 21-27

“Just when you thought WCB costs were high, here come

ergonomic regulations”

Daily News Sept 21“WCB workplace plans draw praise, criticism”

The Vancouver Sun, Dec 20“Draining the WCB’s poisonous wounds”

Otto Von Bismarck

“Laws are like sausages. It's better not to see them being made.”

Ergonomics (MSI) Requirement

• Still controversial in some areas

• Ergonomic regulation in BC has raised the level of awareness of MSI

• Employers cognizant that they are required to address the issue

• WorkSafeBC can require compliance

Ergonomics (MSI) Requirement

• Regulation is not perfect• Amalgam of scientific, medical and political• Performance based (non-prescriptive, but with risk

factors listed)• Can be a challenge to enforce (no published

limits)

Practical application

• Regulation is an educational tool• WorkSafeBC issued Regulatory Guidelines in

2006 to enable better understanding of the regulation

Ergonomics (MSI) Requirement

4.47 Risk Identification

4.51 Education & Training

4.52 Evaluation

4.48 Risk Assessment

4.50 RiskControl

4.53 Consultation

Policy & Procedure

Scope of regulation

• All provincially regulated workplaces

• Emphasis on sprains, strains and inflammations

Risk factors

• 18 factors in 5 groups• physical demands• layout and condition of the workstation• characteristics of objects handled

• environmental conditions

• organization of work

Risk Control

• Monitor effectiveness

• Correct deficiencies

• Evaluate

Education and training

• Educate workers at risk of MSI

• Train workers in measures to control risk

Application of the regulation

• Multi-level approach• Corporately

• High risk industry groups• Create awareness on MSI issues through education

• Regionally• Response work• High risk sector employers

Successes

• Increased awareness about MSI issues• MSI in high risk industries such as

construction, health care and manufacturing still make up about 1/3 of all injuries

Successes

• Considerable ‘field’ expertise developed• 1.5 day basic training for inspectors

• Three staff ergonomists provide support to employers and inspection officers

• Focus on Safety program (new in 2006)

MSI claims are downClaim Counts STD Days Paid Claim Costs

Overexertion claims

Repetitive motion

claims

Total ergonomic

claims

% of all

claims

Ergonomic claims

% of all

claims

Ergonomic claims

% of all

claims

1997 20,73820,738 1,7281,728 22,466 31% 998,828998,828 33%33% $204,043,260$204,043,260 26%

1998 21,99921,999 2,3852,385 24,384 34% 1,257,2041,257,204 39%39% $248,151,427$248,151,427 32%

1999 18,05918,059 2,3422,342 20,401 29% 1,047,0091,047,009 35%35% $198,316,095$198,316,095 29%

2000 15,49415,494 1,7961,796 17,290 25% 833,279833,279 28%28% $157,052,055$157,052,055 23%

2001 20,50620,506 2,0812,081 22,587 34% 1,029,3011,029,301 39%39% $180,788,649$180,788,649 31%

2002 17,63217,632 1,7241,724 19,356 33% 831,032831,032 36%36% $128,183,007$128,183,007 27%

2003 17,13717,137 1,7611,761 18,898 33% 821,741821,741 35%35% $118,515,462$118,515,462 28%

2004 17,19617,196 1,7551,755 18,951 33% 822,236822,236 35%35% $120,864,636$120,864,636 28%

2005 17,79917,799 1,3191,319 19,118 32% 822,831822,831 35%35% $119,414,999$119,414,999 29%

2006 17,96517,965 1,2451,245 19,210 30% 745,713745,713 34%34% $98,171,893$98,171,893 28%

Continued challenges

• Increased duration of some claims

• Increased costs of MSI claims

• Lack of ergonomic expertise

• Difficult to measure ‘cause and effect’• trailing indicators may not be an effective

measure

Continued challenges

• Defining compliance• Performance based

regulation with no published limits

Other ergonomic activity at WorkSafeBC

• Funded projects through external health and safety agencies • Ceiling lifts and electric beds in health care,

• Web based tools• Lifting calculator, push/pull calculator

• Publications

Frequently asked questions

• Do you see it having any effect, and if so, do you see any decrease in the number of MSIs?

Frequently asked questions

• What services does WorkSafeBC offer to employers?

Frequently asked questions

• What is the role of the inspectors?

• Do your inspectors have training?

In conclusion

• Risks of MSI to workers is significant

• Ergonomics regulation attempts to control risk

• Sets a standard to reduce risk

Thank you

• For further information on the regulation check our website or the CD handout

www.worksafebc.com