Participatory Ergonomic Safety Practices Produce Better Results

A recent survey from the National Safety Council, Frontline Worker Perspectives on Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention, found that almost a third of workers who experience pain at work don't report it. Furthermore, 25% of workers said they either don’t know how to report pain or aren’t sure if a process exists. 

But when a safety culture is participatory, and workers are actively involved in identifying risks and shaping solutions, companies achieve better safety outcomes. Participatory practices, such as involving workers in equipment design, job task planning, and feedback mechanisms, can enhance the effectiveness of MSD prevention efforts, the report concludes.

“These findings offer a powerful reminder that safety cannot be achieved without the voice of those doing the work every day,” said Paige DeBaylo, PhD, director MSD Solutions Lab at NSC, in a statement. "When we engage frontline workers meaningfully, we unlock new opportunities to reduce injuries, foster trust and improve organizational safety culture."

The survey found that workers are more likely to report pain promptly when they understand safety programs, hear about ergonomics regularly and are asked about symptoms.

Looking at the data from an age and experience lens, older workers are less likely to have a good understanding of their organization’s safety programs, report pain promptly and feel confident in their workplace’s ability to prevent injuries. Newer employees are less likely to suggest safety improvements compared to more tenured workers.

Highlights from the report include:

 Awareness and Understanding of Safety Programs

 • Most workers are aware of their organization’s safety and health initiatives, but nearly 1 in 5 don’t have a good understanding of MSDs and very few demonstrate understanding of how tasks can contribute to MSD risk.

 • About 70% say their workplace has an MSD prevention or ergonomics program, though awareness may not always reflect actual participation in ergonomic initiatives.

• Workers who hear about ergonomics more often tend to have a more positive view of their organization’s ability to prevent injuries.

Workplace Tools and Training

• Just under 60% of workers say they consistently have access to proper ergonomic tools and equipment.

• While most workplaces offer new hire orientations, key MSD-related topics, like how to use ergonomic tools or report issues, are often missing.

•About half of respondents say workplaces provide regular ergonomics or MSD prevention training.

Feedback and Engagement

• Around 60% of workers know how to suggest safety improvements, but older workers are less likely to be aware of or use these systems.

• Respondents reporting their workplace collects employee feedback and follows up on it tend to have better safety perceptions and faster pain reporting.

• Trust and engagement are stronger when workers feel their input is valued and acted on.

Safety Culture and Trust

 • Workers feel most involved in improving job tasks and workflow, but less so in areas like return-to-work processes or mental health.

 • Trust decreases with organizational hierarchy: Most workers trust their peers, but fewer trust senior leadership.

• Stronger safety culture and trust are linked to better perceptions of MSD prevention and more proactive reporting

Non-Physical Risk Factors

• Fatigue and workplace stress were the most commonly reported non-physical risk factors contributing to workplace MSDs, especially among newly hired employees. Technology and Innovation

• About 41% of workers are excited about using technology (like wearables or robots) to improve their jobs.

• However, of those concerned about using technology, over half have concerns about how their data will be used, and nearly half worry about job replacement.

• Workers are more comfortable with technology when they feel involved in decisions, trust leadership and have access to proper tools.

Leadership vs. Frontline Perceptions

 • Safety leaders consistently rate their organization’s safety culture, communication and worker involvement more positively than frontline workers do.

• These perception gaps suggest a need for more inclusive, transparent and participatory approaches to safety planning and communication.