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Washington State Department of Labor and Industries enacted an Ergonomics Rule in May, 2000. The rule requires that companies evaluate "caution zone" jobs and reduce specific risk factor levels found to be above a "hazard" level. At least half of the highest risk industries for musculoskeletal injuries are in construction. This has led to the development of cooperative ergonomics projects with roofing, drywalling, mason, mechanical and general contractors. The results of these projects provide a foundation describing what compliance with the Washington rule will look like in these industries. ConstruCtion environments present many challenges but this work has demonstrated that feasible and low-cost solutions are available to reduce risk factors below the regulatory level requiring intervention. Examples of "hazard-level tasks" and risk factor reduction in roofing, mechanical contracting and drywalling are presented.

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An engineering solution to remove an injury risk factor is the preferred route for preventing musculoskeletal injuries when feasible. Construction has presented a challenge that is only recently being aided by new tool designs and work in the area. However, many risks are introduced or exacerbated by factors "out of their control". Several projects in Washington State have investigated the benefits of working with manufacturers and architects to reduce the level of risk before the construction phase by repackaging materials or considering alternative designs with worker health and safety taken into account. To reduce lifting risks, composition shingles were successfully repackaged in lighter bundles weighing 48-50 lbs (previously 64 lbs) in cooperation with a large manufacturer. This intervention is presented as an example of working upstream to reduce injury risks.

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