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. Register here.