Definitions
Competent Person
A Competent Person is a person capable of conducting a job hazard assessment to identify and assess both existing and predictable ergonomic risk factors in an employee’s work activities. Ergonomic risk factors include those that a core element or significant part of the employee’s workday or duties that are harmful and are reasonably likely to cause or contribute to musculoskeletal disorders.
For example, a Competent Person is an ergonomist, industrial hygienist, or certified safety professional. Additionally, a Competent Person is another health and safety professional with a demonstrated ability to manage workplace injury risk, who can demonstrate their ability to manage workplace injury risk through either (1) having obtained an advanced academic degree, certificate, or professional standing, or (2) by achieving extensive knowledge, training, and experience.
Quota
A quota is a work standard that requires an employee to perform at a mandatory specific productivity speed, complete a required number of tasks, handle or produce a specific amount of material within a defined time-period, or meet a similar type of performance standard for which an employee may be disciplined if they fail to complete it. A quota also exists where an employee’s actions are categorized between time performing tasks and not performing tasks, and the failure to complete a task may have an adverse impact on the employee’s employment or employment conditions.
Warehouse distribution center
A warehouse distribution center is defined by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for warehousing and storage (excluding farm product warehousing and storage), merchant wholesalers, and electronic shopping and mail order houses, as well as couriers and express delivery services.
The specific NAICS codes are:
493- Warehousing and Storage (excludes 493130- Farm Product Warehousing and Storage)
423- Merchant Wholesalers, durable goods
424- Merchant Wholesalers, non-durable goods
454, 110- Electronic Shopping, Mail-Order houses
492, 110- Couriers, Express Delivery Services
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders refers to work-related conditions (including injuries, illnesses, or disorders) affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs of the upper limbs, lower limbs, neck, shoulders, or back.
Further, these are conditions that are:
The result of an exposure in the work environment that causes or significantly contributes to the disorder or worsens a pre-existing condition;
Caused by ergonomic risk factors that include, but are not limited to, rapid pace, forceful exertions, extreme or static postures, repetitive motions, direct pressure, contact stress, vibration or cold temperatures;
Not the result of slips, trips, falls, or any other instantaneous event that is not related to exertion.