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Risk Central
Digital EditionFrontline Workers and Leaders Disagree on Injury Prevention Effectiveness
Nearly 30% of workers who experience workplace pain never report it, revealing a dangerous disconnect between frontline employees and safety leadership that undermines injury prevention efforts, according to a new survey of 1,000 non-managerial workers across multiple industries by the National Safety Council’s MSD Solutions Lab.
“Frontline workers are commonly aware of job tasks that cause them pain and are likely familiar with the work activities that could gradually develop into an injury, making their involvement in identifying solutions to risks especially important in ergonomics and MSD prevention,” the report’s authors said.
Communication Breakdowns Hinder Safety Programs
The research exposes fundamental gaps in how workers and management perceive workplace safety initiatives. While approximately 70% of employees say their workplace has musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention programs, nearly one in five workers lacks basic understanding of these conditions. Even more concerning, about 25% of workers either don’t know how to report pain or aren’t sure if a reporting process exists, the research found.
These communication failures create real consequences, according to the NSC. Workers who regularly hear about ergonomics and understand safety programs are significantly more likely to report injuries promptly and view their organization’s prevention efforts positively. However, the survey reveals that just under 60% of workers consistently have access to proper ergonomic tools and equipment, despite management’s belief that such resources are widely available.
The disconnect extends beyond equipment access. While safety leaders consistently rate their organization’s safety culture and worker involvement more positively than frontline employees do, workers report feeling most involved in improving job tasks and workflow but excluded from return-to-work processes or mental health initiatives.
Age and Trust Barriers Compound Safety Risks
Older workers face particular challenges in workplace safety engagement. The survey found that experienced employees are less likely to understand their organization’s safety programs, report pain promptly or feel confident in their workplace’s injury prevention capabilities.
Trust deteriorates as it moves up the organizational hierarchy. While most workers trust their peers regarding safety matters, confidence drops significantly when it comes to senior leadership, the survey said. This trust deficit correlates directly with safety outcomes — workers with higher trust levels demonstrate better perceptions of MSD prevention efforts and more proactive pain reporting behaviors.
The survey also identified fatigue and workplace stress as the most commonly reported non-physical risk factors contributing to MSDs, particularly among newly hired employees. Technology adoption presents another trust challenge, with 41% of workers excited about using wearables or robotics to improve their jobs, while those concerned about technology worry primarily about data usage and potential job replacement.
Participatory Approaches Show Promise for Closing Gaps
Organizations that actively involve frontline workers in safety initiatives see markedly better outcomes. When employees participate in equipment design, job task planning and feedback mechanisms, communication improves, trust strengthens and safety outcomes advance, according to the report.
The research points to specific strategies that work. Regular safety meetings that include both management and frontline employees, appointment of employee safety champions, and involvement of workers in job hazard analyses all contribute to closing perception gaps, the NSC said. Organizations that collect employee feedback and follow up on it see stronger safety cultures and more engaged workers.
“These findings offer a powerful reminder that safety cannot be achieved without the voice of those doing the work every day,” said Paige DeBaylo, Ph.D., director of the 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.”
Obtain the full report here. &
