Workers in a variety of jobs would get new protections for work-related injuries caused by repetitive motion under government standards to be issued Nov. 13. The new standard goes into effect Jan. 16, with businesses coming into compliance by October. Under the rules, if a worker reports symptoms of a musculoskeletal disorder, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, or back pain, the employer must determine whether that problem is connected to the job. If so, the worker is entitled to medical care and time off with pay. The employer must then examine more broadly if that job exposes workers to risks and take steps to reduce the hazards. The agency hopes the standard will prevent 460,000 workers from getting hurt on the job each year. According to OSHA, 1.8 million workers have musculoskeletal injuries related to ergonomic factors, and 600,000 people miss some work because of them annually. Under the final rules, once a musculoskeletal disorder is determined to be work-related, employers must look more closely at the nature of the job to see if it exposes workers to certain risk factors. Some of the criteria include: -- Repeating the same motions every few seconds. -- Using a keyboard or mouse for more than four hours a day. -- Repeatedly working with the hands above the head for more than two hours a day. -- Using vibrating tools or equipment for more than two hours a day. The employer would then have to take steps to reduce these hazards.