You may recall that L&I published its first report on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) as required by RCW 49.17.520, titled, Industries and Risk Classifications Eligible for Ergonomic Rulemaking: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) (wa.gov). Long-term care is an industry that can be regulated but it is low on the list. This means that while L&I is less likely to implement ergonomic regulations for long-term care, they still could.
The best way to prevent new regulations is by preventing WMSD. Prevention requires safe patient/resident handling, equipment, training, and observation programs. ERNwest offers a WHCA Accident Prevention Program (APP) template that has model language for a Safe Patient/Resident Handling program. Access free, on-site CEU-certified safety training that includes training on lifts and transfers. You can also register for “Supervising for Safety” which covers how to put together an effective Safety Observation program. Find all these resources at WHCA – ERNwest (password: StayHealthy).