Every year, in workplaces around the world, thousands of lives are negatively impacted by work activities that require forceful exertion, awkward postures, and/or repetitive motions during work performance. Collectively known as musculoskeletal disorders, these conditions are the leading cause of nonfatal injuries in the United States, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Back pain, tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprains and strains are some examples of MSDs that result from workplace injury or occur in the workplace.
The negative impacts caused by MSDs include lost wages for workers and decreased productivity for employers. For instance, over the course of a 40-year career, workers lifting heavy loads can expect almost three years of work absences due to lower back pain.
Did You Know?
- MSDs caused 29.6% of nonfatal work injuries in the U.S. in 2021 – 2022.
- Low back pain affected 619 million people in 2020, projected to hit 843 million by 2050.
- Workplace injuries cost U.S. businesses $1 billion/week; $18 billion is lost annually in wages and health care.
MSDs impact almost every industry and occupation and almost every part of the body. They can affect anyone at any age.
Investing in MSD prevention yields a strong return, turning proactive safety measures into measurable financial gains; roughly every dollar spent generates double that or more in return.
The National Safety Council, in partnership with Amazon and the 250+ organizations in the MSD Charter Pledge and Pledge 2.0 companies, seeks to inspire a global movement across all industries that improves workplace safety, reduces MSD risk and improves worker wellbeing.