Workplace Ergonomics Campaign Targets Sprains and Strains
October outreach offers employers training and planning resources to address hazards associated with moving loads.
- By Chelsey Arries
- Oct 01, 2026
Washington’s Department of Labor & Industries is encouraging employers to assess tasks involving lifting, carrying and pushing during Global Ergonomics Month, with resources to help businesses prevent sprains and strains.
The campaign provides a four-week framework for identifying hazards, involving employees in prevention efforts and incorporating ergonomics into workplace safety planning. Employers can also request a consultation at no charge.
Initial activities focus on leadership support. The department recommends that employers explain their injury prevention goals to workers and establish a written statement outlining those goals.
A 25-minute ergonomics course is available for employee training. Employers can also review a sample ergonomics process template when updating their accident prevention programs.
Later activities emphasize employee participation and practical changes. Workers are encouraged to identify tasks that could cause injuries and help select improvements suited to their workplaces.
The campaign asks employers to address three hazards and use an online collection of ergonomics ideas to explore possible solutions. Its final stage focuses on sustaining that work, including identifying and correcting another 12 hazards over the following year.
About the Author
Chelsey Arries is assistant editor for Security Today, Campus Security Today, Occupational Health & Safety and Environmental Protection Online.