Research and pilot programs highlight innovative tools ranging from AI to augmented reality to help protect workers.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Safety Council released findings from the 2024-2025 MSD Solutions Lab Research to Solutions (R2S) and MSD Solutions Pilot Grant programs, highlighting innovative approaches to preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the most common workplace injury.
The grant programs, launched by the MSD Solutions Lab, which was established in 2021 with funding from Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), support the Council’s mission of saving lives and preventing injuries by uniting academic researchers and industry partners to drive innovation in MSD mitigation. To date, NSC has funded 35 projects and invested more than $1 million in practical, scalable solutions designed to help keep workers safe.
"MSDs impact millions of workers and cost employers billions of dollars each year," said Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace safety programs at NSC. "The findings from the 2024-2025 grant recipients demonstrate that emerging technologies can help organizations better understand workplace risks, engage workers and implement targeted solutions that improve safety outcomes. By empowering researchers and employers to explore and test new safety strategies, we’re advancing practical approaches that can be adopted and scaled across industries."
Key findings from the 2024-2025 R2S program include:
North Carolina State University developed and evaluated an augmented reality tool that enables workers to visualize ergonomic reach zones in real time.
Oregon State University demonstrated that lower-back injury risk can be assessed using smartphone-based video analysis and machine learning.
Virginia Tech developed an artificial intelligence model that improved both accuracy and fairness in biomechanical exposure assessments.
Wichita State University examined the use of arm-support exoskeletons in construction environments.
The 2024-2025 MSD Solutions Pilot Grant program enabled organizations to partner with technology providers and test innovative solutions, including computer vision systems, wearable vibration-monitoring technology and sensor-based ergonomic assessment tools. Several pilots demonstrated promising results, including improved visibility into risk factors, stronger worker engagement and more targeted ergonomic interventions.
Across both programs, findings reinforced the value of combining innovation and data with frontline worker input – underscoring a core NSC principle of putting worker experience at the center of safety.
To learn more about the MSD Solutions Lab, grant programs and resources to help protect workers, visit nsc.org/msd.
About the National Safety Council
The National Safety Council is America’s leading nonprofit safety advocate – and has been for over 110 years. As a mission-based organization, we work to eliminate the leading causes of preventable death and injury, focusing our efforts on the workplace and roadways. We create a culture of safety to not only keep people safer at work, but also beyond the workplace so they can live their fullest lives.
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