Why employers are prioritizing musculoskeletal health

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSKs) — from chronic back pain to repetitive strain injuries — affect over 50% of working adults in the U.S. The impact? A staggering $353 billion in annual treatment costs and reduced workplace productivity. As these issues continue to climb the list of top health care cost drivers, HR benefits leaders are being called to rethink their approach.

Brad Hammer, Senior Director of Injury Prevention and Treatment at HealthFitness, shares insights into what employers are doing right (and wrong), and how the most forward-thinking companies are addressing MSK health in a way that works — for both their people and their budgets.

What Companies are Doing to Address MSK Health

Organizations are trying everything from on-site clinics and digital health apps to simple stretch programs and work conditioning for new hires. While there's no one-size-fits-all solution, it's important to have a comprehensive, long-term strategy.

Some employers are integrating MSK support throughout an employee’s entire lifecycle — from pre-hire functional job analysis to on-the-job support and post-injury rehab. This holistic, proactive approach reduces injury risk and helps keep employees healthy, productive, and on the job.

Key strategies include:

• On-site physical therapy for early intervention
• Functional job analysis to understand physical job demands
• Job-site evaluations to identify and reduce high-risk tasks
• Work conditioning programs to prepare new hires for physically demanding roles

The Biggest Mistake: Losing Focus When Injury Rates Go Down

One of the most common mistakes is inconsistent commitment. For example, when injury rates spike, leadership pays attention. But as rates decline, the energy fades. This cycle leads to reactive programs rather than steady, preventive efforts.

What works instead?

• Sustained leadership support for MSK initiatives, regardless of current injury rates
• Year-round commitment to funding and promoting injury prevention programs
• Ongoing employee engagement to keep safety and health top of mind

Why On-Site, One-on-One Support Is So Effective

HealthFitness’ approach often includes placing staff directly on-site, where they can interact with employees in real-time. This personalized, accessible support model allows for quick intervention when employees feel discomfort or strain.

Employees don’t need to schedule appointments or leave their workstations. HealthFitness staff meet employees where they are — whether that’s on the floor of a manufacturing plant or out in the field.

Breaking Down Silos: Why Cross-Department Collaboration Matters

Injury prevention can’t happen in isolation. HealthFitness partners not just with employees, but also with safety teams, leadership, and medical departments to create aligned goals and share critical data. This cross-functional collaboration ensures that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Using Data to Identify High-Risk Areas

Data is a crucial part of MSK prevention strategy. By analyzing injury records and ergonomic assessments, employers can pinpoint high-risk roles or tasks. At HealthFitness, we let the data guide us and then build programs to address those specific issues.

Where the Approach Works Best: High-Intensity, Physical Jobs

The greatest ROI often comes in environments where employees are moving, lifting, bending, and reaching — like assembly lines, distribution centers, utility work, and manufacturing. The HealthFitness MSK motto is to “work smarter, not harder.” Even small changes — like raising workstations to reduce bending — can significantly lower injury risk and improve comfort.

The Power of Technology in Ergonomics

HealthFitness is using AI-powered ergonomic video analysis via a partnership with TuMeke Ergonomics. Staff can record an employee performing a task, and the software flags risky postures in red, yellow, or green. Adjustments are then made and shown visually — a powerful tool for both employees and employers.

In one success story, a 30-year veteran changed her routine after seeing the risk visualized. She then trained a new hire using the safer method — showing how a small shift can create long-lasting change.

Where to Start? Start Small

For companies just beginning their journey, it’s important to start with a pilot-first mentality. Identify one high-risk site or job role and begin there. Once results are proven, expand. In fact, most of HealthFitness’ long-term MSK programs began as small pilots — and every client that started small has grown their program after seeing the value.

Musculoskeletal issues aren’t going away — but with the right approach, they can be managed effectively. That means:

• Taking a long-term, whole-employee approach
• Embedding injury prevention into daily operations
• Using data and technology to guide solutions
• Creating partnerships across departments 
• And most importantly, sticking with it

For HR leaders looking to improve employee health and contain costs, MSK support isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s a must-have.

Learn more

• The HealthFitness Podcast: Strategies for Addressing the High Cost of MSK Issues
• Injury Prevention and Treatment Solutions
• Addressing Worker Safety with Injury Prevention and Treament Services

Looking to explore MSK solutions for your workforce? Reach out to HealthFitness to learn more about implementing a scalable, effective injury prevention strategy at your organization.