Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - November 5, 2003
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gary Locke’s Statement on Initiative 841

Gov. Gary Locke today issued the following statement on the outcome of Initiative 841:

“I am very disappointed that this important safety rule has been repealed. Ergonomics-related injuries, such as carpal tunnel and lower back strain, are debilitating to workers and their families, costly to employers in lost productivity, and significantly contribute to our state’s rising workers’ compensation rates.

“Though the voters have repealed this rule, we plan to step up our education efforts with employers, informing them of no- and low-cost best practices that can help reduce these workplace injuries.

“Many businesses that already have ergonomics safety programs in place know that protecting workers is good for business, good for workers and good for Washington state. We will continue to work hard to make our state a safe place to work.”

More than 50,000 ergonomics-related injuries occur in Washington state each year – costing employers and employees nearly $1 billion annually in medical expenses, wage replacement, and reduced productivity and quality.

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