NSC and Safetytech Accelerator announce innovation lab for MSD prevention

Itasca, IL — The National Safety Council MSD Solutions Lab is partnering with Safetytech Accelerator to design, build and operate an open innovation lab with the goal of facilitating the development of next-generation technology aimed at preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

The most common workplace injury, MSDs – such as tendinitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome – affect nearly a quarter of the world’s population and are the leading cause of worker disability, early retirement and limitations to gainful employment, according to NSC. In addition, they account for nearly a third of unwanted days away from work, totaling around $20 billion in annual costs to U.S. employers.

“MSDs know no boundaries and pose a risk to workers in every industry and business worldwide, which is why ongoing global collaboration is a crucial component of solving this omnipresent safety challenge,” MSD Solutions Lab Director Corinne Towler said. “Safetytech Accelerator is a long-time leader in advocating for and implementing next-generation safety solutions across a spectrum of high-risk sectors, and we are excited to team with them and further our mission of helping workers everywhere live their safest, fullest lives on and off the clock.”

The nonprofit organizations previously collaborated on a pilot program intended to help employers adopt safety technology and save lives.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with NSC,” Safetytech Accelerator Managing Director Maurizio Pilu said in an NSC press release. “By working with the MSD Solutions Lab and National Safety Council leadership and their expansive network of safety experts, we hope to advance a practical understanding of how safety technologies can make a difference and create opportunities for entrepreneurs in developing and refining their solutions for real-world use cases.”

Both organizations encourage employers across all industries to sign the MSD Pledge – a global initiative led by the MSD Solutions Lab to create safer outcomes for millions of workers worldwide and reduce MSDs by 25% by 2025. To sign the pledge, go to nsc.org/workplace/safety-topics/msd/business-pledge.