Small Businesses, Big Impact: Building Safer Workplaces

May marks National Small Business Month, a time to celebrate the 33 million small businesses that form the foundation of the U.S. economy. According to the Small Business Administration, these companies account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and employ nearly half of the nation’s private workforce. They serve as community pillars, innovators and employers who care deeply about the people behind their success. 

The Safety Challenge 

Running a small business comes with unique challenges, especially in protecting workers. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – which include back strains, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome – cost private sector businesses nearly $18 billion each year and rank as a leading cause of worker disability, according to the 2024 Liberty Mutual Workplace Safety Index. For small businesses with limited resources, a single injury can significantly impact worker health, morale and productivity.

How NSC Assists Employers in Preventing Injuries 

The National Safety Council helps businesses tackle these challenges through our MSD Solutions Lab – a groundbreaking program established in 2021, powered by Amazon. This initiative connects employers of all sizes with the knowledge and tools to prevent MSDs. The lab’s signature MSD Pledge initiative enables businesses to commit to improving safety for workers, with more than 240 companies already joining the movement.

Dana Schultz, HR and safety manager at Superior Tube Products and a recent recipient of the Advanced Safety Certificate Scholarship for Veterans, demonstrates how small businesses make a big impact: “You don’t need vast resources or complex programs to create safer workplaces. It can be as simple as encouraging team members to report even the most minor discomfort. When employees feel empowered and supported, issues can be addressed early and prevent more serious injuries. The MSD Pledge gave us a framework to be more forward-thinking about safety.”

Simple, Effective Strategies for MSD Prevention 

To support small business safety leaders, NSC published a Small Business Safety Guide with practical, cost-effective steps for preventing MSDs:

• Involve employees at every level: Work with employees to identify physical tasks that may cause discomfort and gather suggestions for improvement
• Make simple equipment changes: Adjusting shelves to waist height, adding anti-fatigue mats or providing adjustable chairs and workstations can significantly reduce strain
• Prioritize early reporting: Encourage employees to report pain or discomfort early so you can act before it becomes a serious injury
• Create a culture of safety: Reinforce that safety is a shared responsibility and recognize team members who contribute to hazard reduction
• Start small and build: Implementing even one change – like introducing rest breaks – can lead to big gains over time

Turning Intention into Action 

This National Small Business Month let’s recognize small businesses not just for driving economic growth, but for shaping a safer, healthier future for all workers. Take the first step toward protecting your team by visiting nsc.org/msd to access free resources and learn how to join the MSD Pledge community.