Exploring MSD Prevention from Frontline Workers’ Perspectives

Check out this research series featuring reports exploring frontline workers’ perspectives on various topics in musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention. 

Frontline Workers' Perspectives on MSD Prevention 

Drawing on survey data from 1,000 nonmanagerial employees across diverse industries, this report explores frontline workers’ perspectives on MSD risk reduction, safety culture, and innovation and collaboration efforts in their workplaces. Findings reveal several perception gaps between frontline workers and safety and health leaders, including differences in views on: 

• MSD prevention programs
• Access to ergonomic tools
• Communication about safety
• Opportunities to participate in safety decision-making

The report highlights participatory ergonomics as a promising strategy for closing these gaps – improving communication, building trust and supporting better safety outcomes.

Frontline Worker Perceptions of MSD Prevention Technology Report

This report is based on survey data from more than 400 frontline employees across industries who have used MSD prevention technologies in their current roles such as:  

• Wearable sensors
• Computer vision
• Exoskeletons
• Robots and collaborative robots (cobots)
• Extended reality
• Digital twins

The report provides a worker‑centered view of these technologies. Findings show that workers face significant physical and mental burden, yet most see these tools as beneficial – reporting improved posture, higher job satisfaction, reduced injury concerns, and neutral to positive effects on mental stress. The report also breaks down findings by technology and shows that perceived value and effectiveness is correlated with greater worker involvement.