Nearly one in three workers with pain on the job never reports it
Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries that affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues that help the body move. They’re often caused by repetitive motions, heavy lifting, awkward postures, or long-term strain on the body during work or daily activities.
Nearly one out of every three workers who feel pain on the job never report it. That statistic should stop any employer in their tracks. It comes from new research by the National Safety Council, and it paints a clear picture of a gap between what safety leaders believe is happening in the workplace and what frontline employees actually experience. The findings also show that a strong safety culture requires more than well-written policies. It depends on the people who do the work every day feeling heard, supported, and safe to speak up.
The report, Frontline Worker Perspectives on Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention, draws from a survey of 1,000 workers across a wide range of industries. These workers are not supervisors or managers. They are the people who lift, bend, carry, stand, and repeat the movements that keep businesses running. Their responses reveal a surprising disconnect that organizations can no longer afford to ignore.
What the research revealed about pain reporting
One of the most striking findings is how many workers keep quiet about pain, even when it affects their ability to work comfortably or safely. Some believe pain is just “part of the job.” Others worry about being blamed, losing hours, or being viewed as a problem. There are also employees who aren’t sure how to report symptoms or who believe nothing will come of it if they do.
When pain goes unreported, the risks climb. Early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders often start small. They might show up as stiffness, soreness, or fatigue. Without attention, those symptoms can develop into more serious injuries that take longer to treat and cost more to manage. Quiet pain doesn’t stay quiet forever.
Safety leaders and frontline workers see things differently
According to the report, there’s a consistent pattern. Safety leaders tend to view their workplace culture far more positively than the frontline workers who live in it every day. This isn’t about bad intentions. Leaders often rely on the systems they’ve built, and from their vantage point, those systems appear solid.
Workers, on the other hand, judge safety based on lived experience. They notice whether reporting is easy, whether concerns lead to real action, and whether the environment genuinely supports speaking up. When these two perspectives drift apart, it becomes harder to build a truly strong safety culture.
The disconnect doesn’t just impact reporting. It shapes trust. If workers don’t feel heard or understood, they’re less likely to raise concerns early. And when injuries go unnoticed until they become serious, everyone loses out.
How well do workers understand MSDs?
The research showed that while most frontline employees are aware of general safety programs, many don’t fully understand musculoskeletal disorders or how to spot the warning signs. They may not connect their symptoms to a preventable issue, and in some cases, they don’t know what steps to take when pain begins.
This lack of clarity makes early intervention harder. Preventing MSDs often depends on recognizing subtle symptoms before they turn into chronic problems. If workers lack the knowledge or confidence to speak up, prevention efforts fall short, even in workplaces with established safety programs.
Why does engaging frontline workers matter so much?
Paige DeBaylo, PhD, director of the NSC’s MSD Solutions Lab, put it simply: true safety isn’t possible without the voice of the people doing the work. When workers are encouraged to participate openly and their experiences guide decision-making, companies gain insight that leaders can’t get from reports or spreadsheets.
That engagement builds trust, and it encourages early reporting. It helps refine safety programs so they actually match what employees face day to day. When workers feel valued and included, safety becomes a shared effort instead of a top-down initiative.
What can organizations do to bridge the gap?
Closing these perception gaps requires more than new policies. It starts with communication. Workers need straightforward information about MSDs, clear instructions on reporting, and reassurance that their concerns will be taken seriously.
Simplifying reporting systems can also help. When the process feels complicated or slow, workers are less likely to use it. Training supervisors to respond consistently to early symptoms can make a noticeable difference, too. In many workplaces, the first person an employee speaks to determines whether they ever speak up again.
Perhaps the most important step is asking workers directly what they need and listening to their feedback. Their insight can guide practical improvements that leadership may not see on its own.
What should I do if I suffer a musculoskeletal disorder at work?
If you start feeling pain, stiffness, or weakness on the job in Mississippi, it is important to act quickly. The first step is to report your symptoms to your supervisor as soon as possible. Mississippi workers’ compensation laws require timely reporting, and delays can make it harder to prove that your injury is work-related.
After reporting the issue, get medical attention right away. You have the right to choose your treating physician in Mississippi, and a qualified doctor can evaluate your condition, document your symptoms, and determine whether work activity caused or aggravated the problem. Be sure to explain exactly what tasks you perform, how often you repeat them, and when the pain began.
It is also a good idea to keep your own notes about your symptoms, missed time at work, and any restrictions your doctor gives you. If your employer or their insurance company disputes your claim, this documentation can make a difference. When questions arise about your rights or benefits, consider speaking with a Mississippi workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the process and help protect your claim.
Get the legal help you need for a successful work injury claim
If you were hurt on the job in Mississippi and are struggling to get the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve, now is the time to take action. The insurance company has lawyers working to protect their interests, and you deserve a legal team that will fight just as hard for you. Tabor Law Firm, P.A. knows how to stand up to employers and insurance companies who try to downplay injuries or deny claims.
Contact us online or give us a call today for a free consultation to learn more about your potential options. Our team handles workers’ compensation cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
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