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1997 SESSION

971344297
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 661
Offered January 20, 1997
Establishing a joint subcommittee to study development of an ergonomics resource center in Virginia.
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Patrons-- Hull, Abbitt, Bloxom, Croshaw, Hargrove and Murphy; Senators: Chichester, Colgan, Holland and Reasor
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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WHEREAS, proper application of ergonomic principles in job, equipment, and workplace design produces positive results for workers and management by reducing the amount of lost work time and employee turnover associated with accidents and injuries suffered in the course of employment; and

WHEREAS, identifying and eliminating ergonomic problems in existing work situations increases productivity, improves employee morale and results in tremendous savings related to the employer's medical, insurance and claims costs; and

WHEREAS, the state of North Carolina has developed the North Carolina Ergonomics Resource Center, a partnership between the North Carolina Department of Labor and North Carolina State University, dedicated to facilitating the transfer of technology and information between the University, state agencies and industry; and

WHEREAS, the Center, established in 1994 and funded by state appropriations and membership fees from business concerns, develops and monitors ergonomic programs; conducts basic and field research in ergonomics; and consults and educates industry with its staff of experienced ergonomists, health care specialists and laboratory specialists; and

WHEREAS, the Center has already documented dramatic decreases in the number of cumulative trauma disorders reported by employers with whom the Center has assisted in identifying and eliminating poorly designed workplaces and work practices; and

WHEREAS, development of an ergonomics resource center in Virginia will support business and labor in their pursuit of humanizing the workplace and maintaining viable and competitive jobs for the citizens of the Commonwealth; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That a joint subcommittee be established to study development of an ergonomics resource center in Virginia. The joint subcommittee shall consider and, if appropriate, develop a plan for the creation and operation of an ergonomics resource center in Virginia. The joint subcommittee shall make recommendations regarding staffing, funding, and equipping the center and shall identify existing resources or programs that can assist the center's operation.

The joint subcommittee shall be composed of 13 members as follows: 5 members of the House of Delegates to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; 4 members of the Senate to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections; 1 representative from organized labor and 1 representative from the College of Engineering at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University to be appointed by the Speaker of the House; and 1 representative from the Department of Labor and Industry and 1 representative from the Virginia Manufacturers Association to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections.

The direct costs of this study shall not exceed $7,000.

The Division of Legislative Services shall provide staff support for the study. Technical assistance shall be provided by the Department of Labor and Industry. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall provide assistance to the joint subcommittee, upon request.

The joint subcommittee shall complete its work in time to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the 1998 Session of the General Assembly as provided in the procedures of the Division of Legislative Automated Systems for the processing of legislative documents.

Implementation of this resolution is subject to subsequent approval and certification by the Joint Rules Committee. The Committee may withhold expenditures or delay the period for the conduct of the study.