Washington State I-841 Vote 'No' Campaign

RESULTS

Washington State's Initiative 841 passed by a 53%-47% margin on the November 4, 2003 ballot. As a result, the state's ergonomic safety rule has been repealed and the state will be forbidden from developing or implementing regulations that require employers to address ergonomic hazards in the workplace.

ANA President Barbara A. Blakeney, MS, APRN,BC, ANP stated, "Although we are saddened by the outcome of this vote, we have not lost our commitment to fighting for the development of ergonomic safety measures at both the state and federal levels."

The ANA greatly appreciates all of the personal and organizational support provided to the "No on I-841" campaign.

Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) Executive Director Judy Huntington, MN, RN, expressed her thanks to WSNA members, the ANA, United American Nurses, AFL-CIO, the Center for American Nurses, and specialty nursing organizations for their "incredible support and assistance" to the coalition campaign fighting to save the ergonomics standard.