NSC Study Finds Major Perception Gap Between Workers and Safety Leaders

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Nearly 30% of workers who experience pain at work don't report it, and safety leaders consistently rate their workplace culture more positively than frontline employees do, according to new research from the National Safety Council.

The research from Frontline Worker Perspectives on Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention, based on survey data from 1,000 non-managerial workers across diverse industries, reveals 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, PhD, director 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."

The report, published through the NSC MSD Solutions Lab established in 2021 with funding from Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), also found that while most workers are aware of safety programs, many lack understanding of MSDs and don't know how to report symptoms.

Join the MSD Solutions Lab virtual Town Hall on Sept. 23 for an engaging session with speakers sharing real-world strategies for involving frontline workers in safety efforts. 

About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 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.

For media inquiries, please contact media@nsc.org.