Status
This rulemaking will address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) in the Scheduled Airlines - Ground Crew Operations (Risk Class 6802). L&I initiated rulemaking on October 29, 2024.
See all the rulemaking activity for Scheduled Airlines - Ground Crew Operations on our L&I Rulemaking page. See all of the Ergonomics rulemaking (ESSB 5217) projects.
Learn more about our rulemaking process and terminology.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for nearly one-third of all workers’ compensation claims that result in time loss, are more severe than the average nonfatal injury or illness, and are a common cause of long-term disability in the state.
In 2023, the Washington State Legislature passed RCW 49.17.520, allowing L&I to adopt rules to prevent WMSDs in industries or risk classes that see workers compensation claims for WMSDs at least two times the overall state rate. Only one rule for either an industry or risk classification can be adopted within a 12 month period. L&I selected Scheduled Airlines - Ground Crew Operations, Risk Class 6802, which has a WMSD claim rate of more than 10 times the overall state rate, for the first rulemaking effort.
As directed by RCW 49.17.520, L&I published an initial report of industries and risk classifications eligible for rulemaking in November 2023, identifying 31 high priority industries and risk classes most likely to be selected for future rulemaking. The 2023 high priority list was then narrowed to 5 industries and risk classes, with the final selection for the first rulemaking effort being Scheduled Airlines – Ground Crew Operations, Risk Class 6802.
The rule will cover WMSD hazards for members of ground crews employed by businesses operating scheduled airlines who are assigned the risk class 6802 in L&I’s workers’ compensation system, excluding those in subclass 6802-01 as required by RCW 49.17.520(d).
Learn more about the Ergonomics rulemaking.
L&I has proposed the following timeline for adopting rules:
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Filed CR 101 Pre-proposal Statement of Inquiry | October 29, 2024 |
| Report to Legislature required under RCW 49.17.520(4) | January 27, 2025 |
| Stakeholder meetings | TBD |
| Advisory Committee meetings | TBD |
| File CR-102 | TBD |
| File CR 103 – Rule Adoption | TBD |
| Effective Date | TBD, At least 120 days after adoption no earlier than July 1, 2026 |
Preproposal rule filing
- Preproposal Statement of Inquiry (CR-101) October 29, 2024
Background information
As directed by RCW 49.17.520(6), an advisory committee will be assembled, representing equal parts business and labor representatives in the Scheduled Airlines – Ground Crews Risk Class, to provide recommendations to L&I during the rules development process.
L&I will be working with scheduled airline industry employers as well as workers and impacted labor unions on identifying advisory committee members.
Staff Contacts
For questions about this rulemaking project contact RulemakingErgo@lni.wa.gov
For general questions about ergonomics or to schedule a no-charge ergonomics consultation, contact Ergonomics@lni.wa.gov
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