WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURIES

WHEREAS, work-related musculoskeletal injuries remain the most prevalent, most expensive and most preventable occupational injuries in the

WHEREAS, advances in technology and the increased workload have resulted in personnel having to work under conditions that require repetitive motion due to increase computer use; and

WHEREAS, personnel are also at risk for injury because they work at ergonomically incorrect equipment and workstations; and

WHEREAS, increasing numbers of personnel are medically documenting debilitating bodily injuries particularly to the back, neck, wrist, shoulders, arms and legs, often necessitating surgery, as a result of musculoskeletal injuries, including repetitive stress injuries; and

WHEREAS, time lost from work because these work-related musculoskeletal injuries is not considered line of duty by the employer in regards to salary and sick leave, yet is considered compensable under Workers' Compensation and is an OSHA/PESH recordable injury; and

WHEREAS, safeguarding the health and welfare of workers has traditionally been considered union work:

RESOLVED, that the AFT along with AFT locals, in conjunction with efforts made by OSHA/PESH and the Americans with Disabilities Act, work to establish the rights of personnel who incur musculoskeletal injuries while employed, including repetitive stress injuries, to be designated injured in the line of duty; and

RESOLVED, that the combined efforts of these union affiliations work to promote standards for healthful working conditions for personnel, which include a mandated policy within boards of education to budget funds to provide  personnel with ergonomically correct equipment and workstations and training in the proper use and set up of such equipment and workstations.