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MNOSHA Compliance: Ergonomics

Introduction

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most prevalent and costly safety and health problems in the workplace today. The cost is not just dollars, but also time and pain. Ergonomics is the science of fitting work conditions and job demands to the capabilities of the work population. Through the practice of ergonomics, MSDs can be prevented.

In 2023, the Minnesota Legislature passed Minnesota Statutes § 182.677, Ergonomics. This statute applies to all warehouse distribution center employers with 100 or more employees, meatpacking and poultry processing sites with 100 or more employees, and health care facilities.

One-time funding of $2 million from the state's general fund is also included for ergonomics safety grants to be awarded to qualifying employers for projects designed to reduce the risk of ergonomic injury to their employees. This program is estimated to result in $12.6 million in workers' compensation cost savings to employers from reductions in workplace ergonomic injuries.

The statute is effective Jan. 1, 2024; the ergonomics safety grants were effective July 1, 2023. (See Article 1, Section 21.)

Minnesota OSHA Workplace Safety Consultation (WSC) provides ergonomics assistance to businesses to help them proactively address ergonomics issues in the workplace.

Visit MNOSHA WSC

 

 

Webinar:  Minnesota OSHA ergonomics and warehousing legislative update

  • When:  Monday. Jan. 29, 2024, from 10 to 11 a.m.

  • Description:  This session will cover the newly enacted ergonomics and warehousing distribution worker statutes.

  • Register:  Register for the webinar.

Safety Grant Program – ergonomics

Program qualifications

The Ergonomic Safety Grant Program provides matching funds, up to $10,000, for qualifying employers to make ergonomic improvements recommended by an on-site safety survey.

FAQs

Get answers to frequently asked questions about the Safety Grant Program

Safety Grant Program – ergonomics

 

 

Resources

Training templates

These customizable training templates provide instruction and resources for employers looking for assistance in developing their own training programs. These templates are meant to serve as a guide for employers to use to complete their own site-specific training programs.

Written program

Identifying ergonomic issues

Ergonomics solutions

Warehousing

Meatpacking

Health care

General resources

Evaluation tools