Washington — More than 40% of frontline workers say they “sometimes,” “rarely” or “never” have the proper ergonomic tools and equipment to do their jobs, according to a new report from the National Safety Council.
Issued by NSC’s MSD Solutions Lab, Frontline Workers’ Perspectives on Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention is based on survey data from more than 1,000 nonmanagerial employees across diverse industries. Respondents were asked for their views on MSD risk reduction, safety culture, and innovation and collaboration efforts of their workplaces.
MSDs include tendinitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. NSC says MSDs are the most common workplace injury and the leading cause of worker disability, early retirement and limitations to gainful employment.
Other findings:
- Nearly 30% of the workers who have experienced pain on the job didn’t report it, while around 25% of all the workers either don’t know how to report pain or aren’t sure if a process exists.
- Approximately 20% don’t understand MSDs and “very few” understand how work tasks contribute to MSD risk.
- Older workers are less likely to understand their organization’s safety programs, report pain promptly and feel confident in their employer’s ability to prevent injuries.
Recommendations for employers include:
- Increase awareness and understanding of MSDs and MSD prevention strategies.
- Improve pain reporting and early interventions, including proactive check-ins with employees using symptom surveys or informal conversations.
- Ensure access to ergonomic tools and training.
“These findings offer a powerful reminder that safety cannot be achieved without the voice of those doing the work every day,” MSD Solutions Lab Director Paige DeBaylo said. “When we engage frontline workers meaningfully, we unlock new opportunities to reduce injuries, foster trust and improve organizational safety culture.”
