The National Safety Council (NSC) recently hosted an illuminating webinar, Pilot Programs in Action: Leveraging Technology for MSD Prevention, which showcased cutting-edge solutions for mitigating workplace injuries, particularly musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). This event brought together industry leaders to share successful strategies and innovative tools designed to enhance workplace safety and ergonomics.
MSDs, which affect muscles, nerves, and tendons, are a leading cause of workplace injuries worldwide. They not only strain workers physically and mentally but also burden businesses financially, with U.S. employers alone facing $18 billion annually in related expenses. Recognizing the critical need for prevention, NSC, with Amazon’s support, launched the MSD Solutions Lab to promote safer, longer careers.
Through the MSD Pledge Program, over 215 organizations have joined forces to combat MSDs, benefiting from exclusive resources such as pilot grants, benchmarking events, and expert consultations.
TuMeke Ergonomics stood out during the webinar for its advanced tools that simplify ergonomic risk assessments. Using computer vision and joint-tracking analytics, the software identifies hazardous movements and provides actionable recommendations. Burlington Hydro, a pilot participant, highlighted TuMeke’s success in identifying risks among powerline technicians, such as heavy lifting and awkward postures. Privacy concerns were alleviated by blurring faces in video analyses, while tailored reports helped guide effective interventions.
The webinar underscored the importance of tailoring solutions to workplace challenges while fostering employee collaboration. By embracing technologies like TuMeke, companies can proactively address ergonomic risks, improve safety, and boost operational efficiency. As more organizations commit to MSD prevention through innovative pilots, the future of workplace safety looks increasingly promising.