Bill proposes MSD prevention programs for health care

Health care employers in Washington state may be required to develop safety programs for employees to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

H.B. 2646, introduced Monday, would require health care employers to develop and implement programs for reducing work-related musculoskeletal disorders and conduct ongoing evaluations of the program, including safety patient handling, and prioritize injury prevention efforts by identifying aspects of work posing the greatest risk of injury.

The bill would also authorize funding of up to 2% of annual premiums paid in the prior year from the risk classes for health care providers for the purpose of funding health care employers who have limited resources to purchase equipment and make modifications for reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.

If signed into law, the legislation would take effect Jan. 1, 2021.