Paving the way for ergonomics legislation.

Businesses in Texas are going to have to pay more attention to ergonomics in the near future, as mandates appear to be on the way.

California has become the first state in the nation to enforce an ergonomics policy for the workplace. The federal government is trying to set up a national standard to prevent repetitive stress injuries.

California's rule, effective July 3, 1997, requires businesses with 10 or more employees to call in a doctor in cases where two or more employees performing identical work complain Within a year about repetitive injuries.

If the doctor confirms the injuries are due to repetitive stress, the business would be required to …