Strategic Focus: Emerging Technologies For Reducing Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Frontline Workers
Molly Blackwell
Steve Bolton
Access this research
Access all EHSQ Corporate Leaders content with a strategic subscription or buy this single report
Need help or have a question about this report? Contact us for assistance
Executive Summary
This report examines the emerging technologies to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) and how they are likely to evolve to meet growing industrial demand. Additionally, this report explores how the level of musculoskeletal risk within a job role does and should continue to shape firms’ adoption of these innovative solutions. Millions of workers around the world are suffering from WRMSDs, due to repetitive strain, improper posture, inadequate equipment and over-exertion in the workplace. Not only is this impacting worker wellbeing but it is also increasing the costs associated with long-term injuries and workers’ compensation. Through ergonomics—the study of how humans interact with the workspace around them—vendors have begun producing technologies that seek to mitigate the risk of musculoskeletal damage. Although many musculoskeletal technologies still are in the R&D phase, some solutions are being pilot tested or deployed in industrial settings.Limited Selection Of Technologies Available In Today’s Market
Wearable Technologies Prioritize Reducing Pressure On The Body
Future Technologies Will Concentrate On Workspace
Limitations Of Present Offerings Are Hindering Their Adoption
Future Emphasis On Adapting The Workplace Environment
Finding Suitable Technology Through The Adoption Process
Figure 2. Three Risk-Dependent Scenarios Of Ergonomic Technology Adoption Defined By (A) People, (B) Processes And (C) Technology
About the Authors
Molly Blackwell
Analyst
Molly is an analyst in the Verdantix EHS practice. Her current research agenda focuses on the priorities and trends within the EHS software market, industrial wearables and op...
Steve Bolton
Research Director
Steve leads the Verdantix EHS research practice, based out of our New York office. He has 25 years of experience advising on sustainability, EHS, circular economy, corporate s...
Other related content
Our research shows that field service leaders face three critical roadblocks to a superior customer experience: inefficient legacy systems, data silos, and insufficient technolo...
Upcoming / 30 September, 2025
As attention shifts away from net zero target setting to asset level decarbonization, many firms are discovering critical disconnect between their energy management efforts and cor...
Upcoming / 24 September, 2025
Supply chains are under increasingly strain to operate with resilience, compliance, and sustainability amidst global geopolitical turbulence. Quality management tools are a critica...
Upcoming / 22 September, 2025
The EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) – one of the most influential pieces of ESG regulation – identifies four key types of physical climate risks to businesse...
30 July, 2025
EHS leaders, 2026 planning starts now. Facing tighter budgets, evolving regulations, and growing responsibilities, building a resilient EHS strategy is essential. Join us to uncove...
04 September, 2025
Safety culture plays a crucial role in preventing or causing incidents. Simply viewed as ‘the way things are typically done around here’, every organization has a safety culture – ...
29 July, 2025