Consequently, state workplace safety agencies may also take the position that they can address ergonomics issues, and cite employers for related safety violations, under their analogous general duty clauses. A number of states have used this power to create their own ergonomics standards, or ergonomics programs. The standard is enforced only when at least two employees performing the same type of job, process or operation are diagnosed with RMIs by a licensed physician within a 12-month period. The employer was cited for not controlling, in a timely manner, exposures that cause RMIs, and for not providing employee training. The rule is divided into three parts.
Part one describes which employers are covered by the rule.
Part two describes the requirement that covered employers must provide employee education and identify and reduce work-related MSD hazards. Part three provides a timetable indicating when covered employers must comply with the rule. The rule is scheduled to be phased in, and deadlines for meeting the rules requirements depend on the size and type of employer. Although it does not have an ergonomic standard, Minnesota was one of the first states to examine and cite ergonomic problems in the workplace. Minnesota established an ergonomics team to conduct comprehensive inspections of selected facilities, to review injury and illness records, and to offer abatement recommendations.