The National Safety Council announced last week that its MSD Solutions Pilot Grant programs have shown practical applications and measurable progress toward reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the most common workplace injury.
The grants, part of the group's MSD Solutions Lab, were established in 2021 with funding from Amazon to explore and pilot new solutions that can help prevent MSDs. Now in its third grant cycle, nearly $850,000 has been awarded, including $275,000 to nine pioneering organizations during the inaugural 2023-2024 cycle.
“The 2023-2024 grantees have made remarkable progress in turning innovative concepts into actionable solutions,” said Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace safety programs at NSC, in a statement. “By investing in both academic research and employer-led pilot projects, we’re advancing scalable strategies that can help protect workers across any industry.”
Highlights from the 2023-2024 R2S program include:
- Rutgers University developed an AI-based image captioning tool that helps employers identify ergonomic risks in real time.
- Iowa State University created a predictive model to evaluate shoulder MSD hazards in high-risk jobs.
- Virginia Tech implemented low-cost, camera-based sensors with machine learning to assess workplace MSD exposures.
- University of Waterloo produced guidance for integrating computer vision into workplace ergonomics programs.
The 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Pilot Grant program supported Amerisure Insurance, Burlington Hydro, General Electric Aerospace and Guarantee Electrical Company in applying emerging technologies to manual materials handling – a major driver of MSDs.
Trials were conducted with HeroWear, an exosuit developer, and TuMeke Ergonomics, which uses computer vision to detect risky postures and movements. Notable takeaways from participants included positive employee feedback regarding use of the technologies and improvements in risk identification and injury prevention strategies.