NSC: Frontline workers and safety leaders don’t see eye to eye on MSD prevention efforts

October 29, 2025

Washington — Frontline employees consistently rate their workplaces’ musculoskeletal disease prevention efforts less favorably than safety leaders do, 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 1,000 nonmanagerial employees across diverse industries.

MSDs include tendinitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. The council says MSDs are the most common workplace injury and the leading cause of worker disability, early retirement and limitations to gainful employment.

The survey results show that although most of the employees are aware of safety programs at their workplace, many lack understanding of MSDs and don’t know how to report symptoms.

According to the report, involving workers in participatory safety practices can enhance information sharing, increase understanding and reduce perception gaps – which can lead to better health and safety outcomes.

Other takeaways:

• When workers understand safety programs, hear about ergonomics regularly and are asked about their MSD symptoms, they’re more likely to report their pain promptly. Thirty percent of the survey respondents said they don’t report their pain to their employer.

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• Older workers are less likely to have a good understanding of their organization’s safety program and report pain promptly, while newer employees are less likely to suggest safety improvements.

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• Around 60% of the respondents know how to suggest safety improvements. Those whose workplace collects employee feedback and follows up on it tend to have faster pain reporting and better safety perceptions.

“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.”