Group 15. Occupational Noise and Ergonomics.

Section 5110. Repetitive Motion Injuries.

(a) This section shall apply to a job, process, or operation of identical work activity at the workplace where repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) occur after [OAL to fill in effective date]. For purposes of this section, RMIs are injuries resulting from a repetitive job, process, or operation of identical work activity at the workplace which have been the predominant cause of a diagnosed, objectively identified, musculoskeletal injury to more than one employee within the last 12 months. The diagnosis of a RMI shall be performed by a licensed physican. For definitional purposes, predominant means 50% or more of the injury was caused by a repetitive job, process or operation of identical work activity.
Exemption: Employers with 9 or fewer employees.

(b) Every employer subject to this section shall establish and implement a program designed to minimize RMIs. The program shall include a worksite evaluation, control of exposures which have caused RMIs and training of employees.

(1) Worksite evaluation. Each job, process, or operation of identical work activity covered by this section or a representative number of such jobs, processes, or operations of identical work activities shall be evaluated for exposures which have caused RMIs.

(2) Control of exposures which have caused RMIs. Any exposures that caused RMIs shall, in a timely manner, be corrected or if not capable of being corrected have the exposures minimized to the extent feasible. The employer shall consider engineering controls, such as work station redesign, adjustable fixtures or tool redesign, and administrative controls, such as job rotation, work pacing or work breaks.

(3) Training. Employees shall be provided training that includes an explanation of:

(A) The employer's program;

(B) The exposures which have been associated with RMIs;

(C) The symptoms and consequences of injuries caused by repetitive motion;

(D) The importance of reporting symptoms and injuries to the employer; and

(E) Methods used by the employer to minimize RMIs.

(c) Measures implemented by an employer in an effort to minimize RMIs shall satisfy the employer's obligations under this section, unless it is shown that a measure known to but not taken by the employer is substantially certain to cause a greater reduction in such injuries and that this alternative measure would not impose additional unreasonable costs.

Note: Authority cited: Sections 142.3 and 6357, Labor Code. Reference: Sections 142.3 and 6357, Labor Code.

Source: California Department of Industrial Relations (http://www.dir.ca.gov)