By Mr. Kafka of Stoughton, petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 473) of Louis L. Kafka and others that the Department of Education be directed to establish a commission to make an investigation and study of ergonomic design standards for schools in the Commonwealth.  Education.

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts

——————

PETITION OF:

Louis L. Kafka

William C. Galvin

Martha M. Walz

——————

In the Year Two Thousand and Seven.

——————

An Act establishing a commission to study ergonomics in the public schools.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:

SECTION 1.

Notwithstanding the provisions of any general or special law to the contrary, the Department of Education shall create a commission to study ergonomics with the K-12 school environment and its impact on the health of its students.

1. The commission shall consist of 11 members, 4 of whom shall be appointed by the Commissioner of Education, 4 appointed by the Commissioner of Public Health, 2 appointed by the Treasurer who shall be members of the Massachusetts School Building Authority or Advisory Board and 1 appointed by the Governor.

2. The commission shall examine ergonomic issues, including:

A. The types, prevalence and level of severity of injuries associated with non-ergonomic study environments and study practices, including textbook weight;

B. The development of ergonomic design standards for current and future school facilities including but not limited to classroom design, study equipment, lighting, computers and furniture.

3. The commission may meet and hold hearings at the place or places it designated during the sessions or recesses of the Legislature.  The commission shall issue a final report to the Governor and Legislature no later than six months following its organizational meeting on the need, viability and cost of recommended changes in the educational environment.

4. This act shall take effect immediately.