The National Safety Council (NSC) has released its 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Index, an annual survey developed by the MSD Solutions Lab. This detailed assessment evaluates how organizations are tackling the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by focusing on three essential areas: risk reduction, safety culture, and innovation and collaboration.
The 2023-2024 Report
Workplace injuries, particularly MSDs, continue to pose substantial risks to employees. To address these challenges, the NSC’s MSD Solutions Lab developed the MSD Solutions Index to benchmark progress and inspire innovation in MSD prevention.
The MSD Solutions Index survey, conducted from December 2023 to June 2024, assessed 44 organizations’ efforts in three core areas: risk reduction, safety culture, and innovation. his second annual report shows notable progress in several key areas, including greater use of ergonomics programs, more organizations taking a proactive approach toward prevention, and increased collaboration across industries to share effective solutions.
- Increased Engagement in Prevention
Over 81.4% of surveyed organizations were rated as “advancing” or “proactive” in MSD prevention efforts, a notable improvement from previous years. Additionally, 11.6% achieved the “innovating” category, which no organization reached last year. - Ergonomics Programs on the Rise
Nearly 89% of organizations now implement ergonomics programs, up from 83% last year, showcasing a growing emphasis on reducing physical strain and improving workplace design. - Focus on Leading Indicators
Employers prioritizing proactive safety measures — such as identifying and addressing MSD risks before they result in injuries — increased from 42% last year to 65.1%.
“This year’s report reflects the dedication of the MSD Pledge community to building safer workplaces and protecting workers’ health,” said Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace safety programs at NSC. “With the insights from the MSD Solutions Index, we see organizations are making significant strides and identifying critical areas for improvement, proving that the MSD Pledge can drive real change in the safety and wellbeing of workers worldwide.”
Opportunities for Growth
While the report celebrates advancements, it also identifies areas where organizations can enhance their efforts. These include:
- Expanding the technology to help reduce MSD risks.
- Setting targeted goals for risk reduction to guide efforts and track progress.
- Continuously engaging frontline workers in decision-making.
Why MSD Prevention Matters
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), often referred to as “ergonomic injuries,” encompass a range of injuries and conditions stemming from specific workplace activities and environments. These injuries typically occur when workers repeatedly use muscles, tendons, and ligaments in awkward positions or during frequent, repetitive tasks, leading to pain and long-term injury.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), MSDs are defined by the combination of the nature of the injury or illness and the events or exposures that lead to it.
For an injury or illness to qualify as an MSD, it must fall into one of these categories:
- Pinched nerve
- Herniated disc
- Meniscus tear
- Sprains, strains, or tears
- Traumatic or nontraumatic hernia
- Pain, swelling, or numbness
- Carpal or tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Raynaud’s syndrome or phenomenon
- Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and disorders
The injury or illness must result from one of the following workplace events or exposures:
- Overexertion and bodily reaction (unspecified)
- Overexertion involving outside sources
- Repetitive motion involving microtasks
- Other and multiple exertions or bodily reactions
- Vibration causing rubbing, abrasion, or jarring
Work-related MSDs significantly impact employees’ health and productivity, driving up costs for employers. According to the NC State University Ergonomics Center, the direct costs of MSDs are estimated at $20 billion per year, with indirect costs — such as lost productivity and product defects — being up to five times greater. Fortunately, MSDs are preventable with proactive measures like ergonomics programs, employee training, and safe work practices.
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