New research supported by the National Safety Council (NSC) has highlighted the potential for artificial intelligence (AI), augmented reality (AR) and other emerging technologies to improve workplace safety by reducing ergonomic risks and preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

Occupational Health & Safety highlights findings from the latest round of the NSC's Research to Solutions and MSD Solutions Pilot Grant programmes, which fund partnerships between industry and academic institutions to develop practical approaches to reducing workplace injuries. Since the programmes began, the council has supported 35 projects and invested more than US$1 million in scalable safety initiatives.

Several university-led projects explored how digital technologies can strengthen ergonomic assessments. Researchers at North Carolina State University developed an augmented reality application that enables workers to visualise ergonomic reach limits in real time, while Oregon State University used smartphone video and machine learning to assess lower-back injury risks.

Other projects included an artificial intelligence model developed by Virginia Tech to improve the consistency and accuracy of physical exposure assessments, and research by Wichita State University evaluating the use of arm-support exoskeletons to reduce physical strain on construction sites.

Alongside the academic research, pilot programmes enabled employers to test emerging commercial technologies in operational workplaces. Organisations introduced computer vision systems, wearable vibration monitors and sensor-based ergonomic tools to identify workplace hazards and monitor physical risks more effectively.

The field trials found that these technologies improved visibility of day-to-day ergonomic risks, increased engagement among frontline employees and supported more targeted workplace safety interventions.

The research also found that successful implementation depends on combining technological innovation with direct input from frontline workers. The National Safety Council said integrating employee feedback alongside digital safety tools is an important factor in developing effective and scalable approaches to preventing musculoskeletal injuries across a range of workplace environments.