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Survey among more than 50 companies shows majority have strong safety cultures, more focus needed on musculoskeletal disorder risk reduction and innovation WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, are the most common workplace injury, costing U.S. businesses in the private sector nearly $17 billion a year, according to the Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. Recognizing the impact these injuries have on workers and businesses, the National Safety Council, with funding from Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), established the groundbreaking MSD Solutions Lab in 2021 to solve workplace MSDs. As a hallmark initiative of the lab, the MSD Pledge was launched in June 2022 and many of the world's leading employers have joined the global effort to reduce this pervasive safety challenge. To help monitor progress along this journey of transforming workplace safety and improving the lives of millions of workers, NSC developed the MSD Solutions Index, an annual benchmarking survey, and today released the inaugural findings in the MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report. The MSD Solutions Index provides MSD Pledge members with individualized feedback on areas of success and opportunity for improvement related to their current MSD reduction efforts and to help identify broader industry trends impacting MSD prevention efforts. Developed in partnership with academic and industry experts, the index is also intended to hold organizations accountable to their three main pledge commitments of advancing MSD risk reduction, innovation and collaboration, and safety culture. "What gets measured gets managed, which is why collecting workplace data is critical to helping organizations mitigate MSDs," said Paul Vincent, executive vice president of workplace practice at NSC. "Through the MSD Solutions Index, not only does it provide direct, tangible takeaways for each pledging organization, but it offers key insights that can be applied across industries to improve MSD prevention. Addressing the most common workplace injury on a global scale has never been done before and initiatives like this help our entire safety community be better positioned to create safer outcomes for millions of workers worldwide." Starting in December 2022 and concluding in June 2023, 52 MSD Pledge members – representing the manufacturing, professional, transportation and warehousing, healthcare, utilities, and several other industries – completed the 46-question MSD Solutions Index survey. Organizations received an overall index result, as well as results for the three pledge commitment subsections, that fell into one of five results categories representing MSD prevention maturity: novice, reactive, advancing, proactive and innovating. Major insights from the MSD Solutions Index included: No organization earned a perfect score on the MSD Solutions Index, underscoring the complexity of MSDs and their prevention. However, 85% of organizations received overall results in the advancing (39%) or proactive (46%) categories, while 15% were in the reactive category. Further, 54% rated their workplace's ability to prevent MSDs as either very good or excellent. For the three subsections: Risk Reduction: 44% of organizations received a result of advancing. Safety Culture: Respondents showed slightly higher average scores, with 42% in the proactive category. Innovation and collaboration: Overall results demonstrated slightly lower average scores, with 31% scoring as reactive, though more than half of organizations exhibited advancing, proactive or innovating results. Larger organizations, which have more than 1,000 employees, are generally more effective at mitigating MSD risk, as they are more likely to have mature, long-standing safety programs and resources to adopt more complex MSD solutions and technology. In contrast, the majority of small to medium sized businesses established their safety program in the last five years. Eight in 10 pledge members have some form of MSD prevention or ergonomics program in place, and 65% have methods for tracking MSD rates across their workplace. Nearly two-thirds of organizations regularly conduct employee perception surveys, and nearly 90% have methods in place for workers to share suggestions for safety improvements. Notably, the MSD Solutions Index showed that when it comes to safety decisions related to workstation design, employees' physical work environment and workflow, frontline workers are regularly consulted on these issues, which leads to stronger safety cultures. However, while larger organizations are more likely to administer employee perception surveys, they saw lower levels of trust and frontline worker involvement in decision making. Nearly 85% of organizations reported that psychosocial risk factors contribute to MSDs in their workplace. These risk factors include things like mental health, fatigue, lack of tracking, and lack of personnel and proper equipment or tools. More than 80% of pledging members that completed the MSD Solutions Index are currently using technology in their workplace to prevent MSDs and just as many are effective at ensuring these best practices are broadcast widely across their organizations. While the report highlighted several areas of success among the MSD Pledge community – including tracking MSD indicators, involving frontline workers to make improvements, building greater workplace communication, and knowledge or use of MSD technology solutions – it also noted some areas of opportunity, such as improving methods of tracking MSDs, quantifying psychosocial risk factors, continually monitoring and assessing physical risk factors, sharing best practices outside of an organization, and understanding the workforce's unique needs. In addition, the report outlined several steps and actions organizations should take to achieve impactful MSD programs, including: Engaging senior leadership, designating an MSD solutions champion to represent the workforce, and creating and empowering an MSD solutions team to collaborate throughout an organization. Collecting and responding to employee feedback regularly and measuring the progress of an MSD program and safety culture, and tracking the impact, solutions effectiveness, return on investment and year-over-year change. Identifying risk factors with involvement from frontline workers and implementing appropriate changes. Ensuring MSD solutions are equitable for all employees. The MSD Solutions Index is one of several initiatives led by NSC to achieve its goal of preventing MSDs before they start. Recently, the Council introduced the next evolution of its industry-first call-to-action to transform workplace safety, the MSD Pledge 2.0. To learn more about these efforts, visit nsc.org/msd. About the National Safety Council The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives. Connect with NSC: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram SOURCE National Safety Council

Leading-edge companies from around the world convened to present new solutions for most common workplace injury NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 25, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its commitment to safety innovation, the National Safety Council convened six leading technology providers from around the globe to showcase their cutting-edge safety solutions during the second annual Safety Innovation Challenge. Hosted in collaboration with Safetytech Accelerator, the challenge builds on the tremendous progress made by the Council's MSD Solutions Lab – a groundbreaking program established in 2021 with funding from Amazon – to help organizations of all sizes prevent musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs. "MSDs aren't isolated to high-risk industries. They're complex, multi-faceted injuries that can occur on any job, which is why increasing awareness of potential hazards, and how these can be addressed using next-generation technology, is a key pillar of the MSD Solutions Lab to promote safer outcomes for all," said Paul Vincent, executive vice president of workplace practice at NSC. "The Safety Innovation Challenge represents an important step forward in this effort, and one we are proud to advance by connecting employers with proven, scalable solutions aimed at mitigating the top sources of MSD injuries." According to the World Health Organization, MSDs are the most common workplace injury and represent the leading cause of worker disability, involuntary retirement and limitations to gainful employment. With upper-body MSDs accounting for nearly a third of all workplace MSDs, NSC teamed with Safetytech Accelerator to initially identify more than 50 companies with upper extremity-focused MSD solutions for this year's challenge. Proposed technologies ranged from exosuits to visual analytics, and the top six innovations were selected as semi-finalists to present their cutting-edge products to more than 5,000 business leaders and safety experts at the NSC Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans. The 2023 Safety Innovation Challenge semi-finalists include: 3MotionAI: Founded in 2008, the Canada-based company uses motion-sensing software to help organizations chart worker movements and develop customized recommendations and exercises to mitigate their MSD risk. The company's biomechanics assessment may be conducted through a mobile device, allowing employers to forego costly ergonomic consultations traditionally conducted in laboratory settings. Bioservo: The company's IronHand glove is an exoskeleton specifically designed to reduce MSD hand injuries by enabling workers to use less grip force when performing repetitive tasks. The technology works in tandem with Bioservo's AI-enabled platform to adapt the glove's configurations based on the operator's unique needs and preferences, including joint locking tendencies, sensitivity and external forces. The company is also one of the first to offer its motor-powered technology in women's sizes. Feraru Dynamics: The company's patented technology mitigates Hand-Arm-Vibration Syndrome, or HAVS, using a pre-assembled sensing and control unit to provide real-time haptics to wearers. Feraru also provides employers with an HAV-Sentry Dashboard, a secure, cloud-based platform designed to help managers visualize data, monitor grip strength and exposure trends, and compile assessment reports. Hilti: The Hilti EXO-S Exoskeleton builds on the company's nearly three decades of experience developing innovative safety technologies in the construction industry to address one of the most common limitations workers across a range of sectors cite with traditional exosuits: wearer comfort. In addition to being the lightest exosuit on the market, the Hilti EXO-S' passive, motor-free design provides employees with dynamic support to alleviate shoulder and arm strain during overhead work. LifeBooster: The Canada-based company integrates Internet-of-Things technology into straps and pocketed shirts, which are designed to be worn as a comfortable, breathable base layer, or clipped onto workers' existing work attire. In addition to seamlessly aggregating data on worker posture, muscle strain, upper-body movements, and environmental factors affecting MSD risk, such as relative humidity, LifeBooster's technology helps employers quantify the impacts of safety interventions on workers' wellbeing and organizations' bottom line. Reactec: Based in the United Kingdom, the company's R-Link smart watch protects workers from HAV exposure by alerting the wearer when their personalized exposure thresholds have been exceeded. The watch's unique haptic system was also thoughtfully adapted to notify workers with vision and hearing impairments. "The 3motionAI 3DNeuroNet Engine revolutionizes human motion performance insights with proven applications in risk management, swiftly identifying risks and preventing injuries. Our groundbreaking tool provides tailored human motion insights, demonstrating the transformative potential of AI in achieving safer outcomes," said Reed Hanoun, founder and CEO, 3MotionAI. "Events like the Safety Innovation Challenge are crucial to democratizing knowledge and access to safety technology like ours, and we are proud to participate in this year's challenge to be part of the solution in addressing upper-extremity MSDs." "Last year's inaugural challenge focused specifically on uncovering solutions to MSDs caused by manual material handling, and the positive feedback we received from the safety community following the event was overwhelming," said Nadia Echchihab, Head of Innovation programs, Safetytech Accelerator. "However, injury prevention is not a one-size-fits-all approach. This year's finalists, who represent among the best in safety innovation, understand the nuances that today's employers face in minimizing MSD risk, while delivering cutting-edge products that are both impactful and practical for modern workplaces." During the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo, each semi-finalist had an opportunity to showcase their unique products to reducing the risk of injury associated with HAVS, repetitive upper body movements, or overhead work at the Safety Technology Pavilion. At the pavilion, attendees voted on their favorite technology and the top three, including Feraru, 3MotionAI and Bioservo, were selected as finalists to present live during the conference's closing keynote session in front of judges from major global organizations and ergonomics experts. Several of these solutions will also have the opportunity to be piloted by the nation's leading employers. "Innovation and collaboration drive safety forward," said Carla Gunnin, director of Global Governance and External Affairs for workplace health and safety at Amazon. "This is precisely what the National Safety Council annual Safety Innovation Challenge is all about, and we are honored to support their ongoing work to convene the industry's brightest minds and best resources to help organizations implement solutions, assess data and measure progress." The Safety Innovation Challenge is one of several initiatives led by the National Safety Council to achieve its goal of preventing MSDs before they start. To learn more about these efforts, visit nsc.org/msd. About the National Safety Council The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives. About Safetytech Accelerator Safetytech Accelerator, established by Lloyd's Register, is the first fully dedicated technology accelerator focused on advancing innovation in safety critical industries, with a mission to make the world safer, more resilient, and more sustainable through wider adoption of technology. Connect with NSC: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram SOURCE National Safety Council

Expanded, global initiative aims to solve the most common workplace injury, musculoskeletal disorders, and enhance the wellbeing for millions of workers WASHINGTON, Oct. 17, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- After launching the inaugural MSD Pledge in June 2022 with the goal of creating safer workplaces and reducing musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, by 25% by 2025, the National Safety Council is pleased to introduce the next evolution of its industry-first call-to-action to transform workplace safety, the MSD Pledge 2.0. With nearly 200 organizations, representing more than 2.7 million employees, having joined this initial effort, the MSD Pledge 2.0 marks an important next step in the journey to solve workplace MSDs beyond 2025 by expanding access to cutting-edge safety technology, resources and best practices. Debuting during National Ergonomics Month, the MSD Pledge 2.0 is a tentpole initiative of the MSD Solutions Lab, a groundbreaking NSC program established in 2021 with funding from Amazon to solve MSDs. According to the World Health Organization, MSDs are the most common workplace injury and the second leading cause in shortening employees' working years, outranked only by mental illness and substance misuse. These injuries are also costly, resulting in nearly $17 billion in lost-wage and medical expenses for private U.S. businesses each year. The MSD Pledge 2.0 calls on organizations of all sizes to commit to the core pledge community goals of reducing MSD risk for millions of workers by: Analyzing the causes of MSD injuries and investing in solutions and practices that reduce risks to workers. Leveraging innovations and sharing learnings that improve safety practices. Building a culture of safety where everyone, at every level, is accountable for the safety and health of workers. Pledging and committing to a percentage-based goal to reduce MSD risks over the next five years after signing, based on organizational goals, resources and priorities. "Every employee deserves to work in an environment where their safety is valued, and by increasing access to the MSD Pledge community through this new initiative, employers can transform workplace safety, reduce MSD risk and enhance the physical and psychological wellbeing of all workers," said Lorraine Martin, president and CEO of NSC. "At NSC, our role is to help guide every employer toward a safer workplace, no matter if they are a multi-national corporation or a small, family-owned organization, and the MSD Pledge 2.0 underscores this commitment to sharing the best safety practices worldwide to reduce MSD hazards, so no one gets hurt on the job." In addition to accessing free resources to help reduce MSD risk, MSD Pledge 2.0 members will join MSD Pledge charter members in participating in the MSD Solutions Index, an annual benchmarking survey designed to reflect against their three main pledge commitments of risk reduction, innovation and collaboration, and safety culture. Designed to provide personalized feedback on what organizations are doing well and the areas of opportunity to strengthen their MSD prevention efforts, a significant benefit of the MSD Solutions Index is its ability to help NSC identify broader trends affecting MSD risk and prevention, so all workplaces may benefit. A full report will be published later this year with results from charter members for the inaugural MSD Solutions Index. "At Amazon, we're always looking for new ways to improve safety for our employees," said Sarah Rhoads, vice president of Global Workplace Health and Safety at Amazon. "A challenge as complex as workplace MSDs requires innovation and collaboration, which is why we've been proud to found the MSD Solutions Lab with NSC and work on this issue together. We look forward to welcoming all future pledgees and applaud their commitment to employees' safety." In addition to the debut of the MSD Pledge 2.0, NSC also introduced the MSD Pledge Badge for all charter and new members to distinguish these organizations as best-in-class employers committed to worker safety and health. The MSD Pledge 2.0 is one of several initiatives underway by the National Safety Council to achieve its goal of preventing MSDs before they start. To learn more about the MSD Pledge 2.0 or the MSD Solutions Lab, visit , or sign up to attend the world's largest annual gathering of safety professionals at the 2023 NSC Safety Congress & Expo in New Orleans, October 20-26. To register, visit congress.nsc.org/. About the National Safety Council The National Safety Council is America's leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for nearly 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace, roadway and impairment. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives. Connect with NSC: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Instagram SOURCE National Safety Council