Impact of the MSD Pledge: Three Years of Making Work Safer

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common workplace injury, affecting nearly one in four people and costing employers billions annually. Most importantly, these injuries can cause long-term pain and affect how people work, live and care for their families. 

At the National Safety Council MSD Solutions Lab, we launched the MSD Pledge over three years ago to address this challenge. Our goal: to reduce these preventable injuries and protect what matters most — people. The recently released 2024-2025 MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report shows we’re making meaningful progress.

Three Years of Progress Across the MSD Pledge Community

Since introducing the MSD Pledge in 2022, organizations across industries have committed to this work. Today, over 270 organizations representing over 3 million workers worldwide are a part of this movement. Together, these companies are transforming workplace safety through research, collaboration and a deep commitment to their people. 

Over the past three years of tracking, the MSD Solutions Index shows clear signs of progress among participating organizations:

• 72% improved their overall scores, demonstrating that committing to MSD reduction and sustained engagement in the MSD Pledge strengthens prevention efforts 
• 78% improved their safety cultures, fostering stronger trust, communication and worker involvement
• More than half improved their risk reduction and innovation practices, signaling growing interest in new tools and prevention strategies  

These improvements translate into real-world changes: More participatory ergonomics efforts, better-designed workstations, equipment that reduces strain and ultimately more workers ending their day without pain. 

Organizational Strengths

Across industries, employers are making meaningful strides in several key areas:

Stronger safety cultures: Many organizations report high levels of trust and collaboration. More than 60% are using employee perception surveys, and over 80% have formal ways for workers to share suggestions — reinforcing trust, transparency and worker involvement.

Proactive tracking: Nearly 80% of employers are using leading indicators — such as early signs of discomfort or risk assessments — instead of relying solely on lagging indicators.

Widespread ergonomics and MSD programs: Nearly 90% of participating organizations have an ergonomics or MSD prevention program in place. 

Growing focus on non-physical risk factors: An impressive 98% of organizations recognize that factors like stress, fatigue and job demands contribute to MSDs. This awareness is a key first step toward more holistic prevention.

Recommendations for Driving Further MSD Prevention

While the MSD Pledge community has made substantial strides over the past three years, the data point to clear opportunities for continued growth. Insights from the MSD Solutions Index highlight several strategies that can help employers build on their progress and drive even greater impact:

Measuring non-physical risk factors: Most organizations understand these risks matter, but many are not yet measuring them — making it difficult to address them effectively.

Setting clear goals: Only 38% of organizations reported having MSD risk-reduction goals. Establishing clear targets helps guide and sustain progress over time.

Using higher-level interventions: Many workplaces still rely heavily on personal protective equipment instead of redesigning tasks or investing in ergonomic improvements that address risk at the source. 

Expanding knowledge and adoption of technology: Nearly one-quarter of organizations report limited or no knowledge of available MSD prevention technologies, even though these tools can significantly reduce risk.

The Power of Sustained Commitment

The MSD Solutions Index demonstrates that organizations committed to the MSD Pledge are not only making progress, they're helping shape a culture of shared responsibility for workplace safety. The data show a clear pattern: Organizations that continue participating year after year gain deeper insight into their risks and greater confidence in strengthening their prevention programs.

By continuing to prioritize proactive measures, foster innovation and embrace collaboration, we can build on these successes and move closer to a future where MSDs are no longer the leading workplace injury.

To learn more about the MSD Pledge and access resources to strengthen your organization's MSD prevention efforts, visit nsc.org/msd. You can also download the complete 2024-2025 MSD Solutions Index Pledge Community Report at nsc.org/pledge-report. Together, we can create safer workplaces and healthier futures for all employees.