HELP Meeting Minutes
January 21, 2004
Hosted by Institute for Systems Biology and Tim McBride

Guest Speaker: Maria Kelly
         WISHA                

Topic: Repeal of the Ergonomics Standard in Washington State

The effect of the repeal of the ergonomic standard can be found in WISHA Regional Directive 10.05:   http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Topics/Policies/PDFs/wrd10.05-ErgoPostRule.pdf

L&I will still provide consultations and training upon request.  Without the "rule", the emphasis is based on prevention.  Maria reminded all of us to continue to feel free to draw upon the resources which L&I provides.  In fact, not using those resources may cause their availability to diminish due to a lack of demand.

Another item discussed was the retro program.  Your company may be entitled to reduced L&I fees due to a low level of claims.

Other Topics:

Kleen Environmental may be coming into our area as a competitor for Stericycle in management of biological waste.

A course is being offered by the Northwest Center for Occupational Health & Safety on "Shipping and Receiving Hazardous Materials for Laboratory Operations."  The course will be on Friday, April 30, 2004 in Seattle.  For more information, see http://depts.washington.edu/ehce/Nwcenter/course/Ship_Receive_HazMat-04.html.  



Next meeting will be on Mar. 17, 2004 at 9 am.  The location will be ICOS, topic to be announced.