Nearly 30 per cent of workers who experience pain at work don’t report it to their employers, according to new research that highlights a major communication gap in workplace safety programs.
The study from the National Safety Council found safety leaders consistently rate their workplace culture more positively than frontline employees do, according to the organization. The research examined musculoskeletal disorder prevention based on survey data from 1,000 non-managerial workers across diverse industries.
Workers lack MSD knowledge despite safety programs
Most workers are aware of safety programs but many lack understanding of musculoskeletal disorders and don’t know how to report symptoms, the NSC said. The findings reveal significant disconnects between management perceptions and worker experiences in MSD prevention efforts.
“These findings offer a powerful reminder that safety cannot be achieved without the voice of those doing the work every day,” said Paige DeBaylo, director of the MSD Solutions Lab at NSC. “When we engage frontline workers meaningfully, we unlock new opportunities to reduce injuries, foster trust and improve organizational safety culture.”
Research highlights frontline engagement gaps
The report was published through the NSC MSD Solutions Lab, which was established in 2021 with funding from Amazon. The research focused on frontline worker perspectives on musculoskeletal disorder prevention across various industries.
The study’s findings suggest workplace safety programs may not be reaching workers effectively, despite organizational investment in safety initiatives. The data indicates a need for improved communication channels between management and frontline employees regarding injury reporting and prevention.
The National Safety Council describes itself as America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate for over 110 years. The organization works to eliminate preventable workplace deaths and injuries, focusing efforts on workplace and roadway safety.
