Washington L&I Introduces Ergonomic Standards for Airline Ground Crew
The new rules aim to reduce the rate of sprains and strains among baggage handlers.
- By Robert Yaniz Jr.
- Oct 31, 2024
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has launched a rulemaking process to reduce the risk of sprains, strains and other work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) among airline ground crews, particularly baggage handlers and maintenance workers.
According to a recent release, this rulemaking effort—the first under a 2023 legislative mandate—enables L&I to address industries with injury claims for WMSDs at least twice the state average over a five-year period. After assessing claims data, L&I designated "Scheduled Airline – Ground Crews"—which, data shows, file claims at more than 10 times the statewide average—as the inaugural group for rule development.
With the earliest projected date for implementation a July 2026, the agency will focus on specific challenges and identifying best practices to incorporate into the upcoming rules. In addition, the rulemaking process will consider broader ergonomics components that may be relevant across multiple industries. An advisory committee—comprised of business and labor representatives from the airline sector—will guide this process.
For more information, visit L&I’s ergonomics scheduled airlines ground crew operations rulemaking webpage.
About the Author
Robert Yaniz Jr. is the Content Editor of Occupational Health & Safety.