New Findings from NSC Grant Recipients Help Tackle America's Most Common Workplace Injury

Rhea-AI Summary

The National Safety Council has released findings from its 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Lab Research to Solutions (R2S) and MSD Solutions Pilot Grant programs, focused on reducing musculoskeletal disorders in workplaces. The initiative, launched in 2021 with Amazon's funding, has awarded nearly $850,000 in grants, including $275,000 to nine organizations in the 2023-2024 cycle. Key achievements include Rutgers University's AI-based image captioning tool for ergonomic risk identification, Iowa State's predictive model for shoulder MSD hazards, and Virginia Tech's implementation of camera-based sensors with machine learning. The pilot program supported companies like Amerisure Insurance and General Electric Aerospace in testing emerging technologies from HeroWear and TuMeke Ergonomics, focusing on manual materials handling improvements.

Positive

• Amazon's strategic investment and partnership with NSC demonstrates commitment to workplace safety
• Development of innovative AI and machine learning solutions for real-time ergonomic risk assessment
• Successful implementation of emerging technologies showing positive employee feedback
• Broad industry collaboration with multiple academic institutions and companies involved

Negative

• None.

MSD Solutions Lab programs unite academic researchers and industry partners to drive innovation

WASHINGTON, June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Safety Council released findings from 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Lab Research to Solutions (R2S) and MSD Solutions Pilot Grant programs. Results showed practical applications and measurable progress toward reducing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the most common workplace injury.

Launched by the MSD Solutions Lab, a groundbreaking NSC initiative established in 2021 with funding from Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN), the grant programs empower researchers and employers to explore and pilot new solutions that can help prevent MSDs. Now in its third grant cycle, nearly $850,000 has been awarded by NSC, including $275,000 to nine pioneering organizations during the inaugural 2023-2024 cycle.

"The 2023-2024 grantees have made remarkable progress in turning innovative concepts into actionable solutions," said Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace safety programs at NSC. "By investing in both academic research and employer-led pilot projects, we're advancing scalable strategies that can help protect workers across any industry."

Highlights from the 2023-2024 R2S program include:

• Rutgers University developed an AI-based image captioning tool that helps employers identify ergonomic risks in real time
• Iowa State University created a predictive model to evaluate shoulder MSD hazards in high-risk jobs
• Virginia Tech implemented low-cost, camera-based sensors with machine learning to assess workplace MSD exposures
• University of Waterloo produced guidance for integrating computer vision into workplace ergonomics programs

The 2023-2024 MSD Solutions Pilot Grant program supported Amerisure Insurance, Burlington Hydro, General Electric Aerospace, and Guarantee Electrical Company in applying emerging technologies to manual materials handling – a major driver of MSDs. Trials were conducted with HeroWear, an exosuit developer, and TuMeke Ergonomics, which uses computer vision to detect risky postures and movements. Notable takeaways from participants included positive employee feedback regarding use of the technologies and improvements in risk identification and injury prevention strategies.

"When we partnered with NSC to launch the MSD Solutions Lab in 2021, we recognized that addressing MSDs effectively requires strategic investment, innovative thinking, and collaboration across industries," said Sarah Rhoads, Vice President of Global Workplace Health and Safety at Amazon. "We're pleased to see the Lab explore a wide range of technologies and programs that may lead to the next great advancement in workplace safety practices, benefitting workers across industries."

From reducing ergonomic risks to providing data-backed insights on emerging safety technology, the R2S and MSD Solutions Pilot grants are among several initiatives led by the MSD Solutions Lab to prevent MSDs. To learn more about these efforts, 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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SOURCE National Safety Council

FAQ

What is the MSD Solutions Lab and how is Amazon involved?

The MSD Solutions Lab is a National Safety Council initiative launched in 2021 with funding from Amazon to reduce musculoskeletal disorders in workplaces through research and technology implementation.

How much has NSC awarded in MSD Solutions Lab grants?

NSC has awarded nearly $850,000 in total grants, with $275,000 distributed to nine organizations during the 2023-2024 cycle.

What technologies were developed through the 2023-2024 R2S program?

The program developed AI-based image captioning for ergonomic risks (Rutgers), predictive models for shoulder MSD hazards (Iowa State), and camera-based sensors with machine learning (Virginia Tech).

Which companies participated in the MSD Solutions Pilot Grant program?

Amerisure Insurance, Burlington Hydro, General Electric Aerospace, and Guarantee Electrical Company participated in the pilot program, testing technologies from HeroWear and TuMeke Ergonomics.

What is the main goal of Amazon's partnership with the National Safety Council?

The partnership aims to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are the most common workplace injury, through strategic investment, innovative thinking, and cross-industry collaboration.