Workplace injuries continue to be a significant challenge across industries around the world. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the most common workplace injury in the United States and North America, accounting for approximately 28% of all serious work-related injuries and illnesses in private industry. It is clear that finding better ways to prevent injuries is more important than ever. The industries most affected are healthcare and social assistance, transportation and warehousing, retail trade, and manufacturing. These MSD injuries are often caused by overexertion (new hires in particular), repetitive motions, and ergonomic hazards.
The Problem The Ongoing Public Health Challenge
In North America alone, millions of injuries happen every year. The most common ones involve the back, shoulders, and knees. These areas are often affected by poor movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and unaddressed risk factors. These injuries are not just painful and costly for workers, but they also burden employers and the health care system. In 2019, the total cost of workplace injuries in the United States was estimated at 171 billion dollars. The average injury cost was about 42,000 dollars per case.
The Importance of Early Intervention and Accurate Assessment
Research shows that early detection of risk factors and immediate action can make a huge difference. The Kinetisense movement screening system is a portable, highly accurate, markerless 3D motion analysis tool that helps identify injury risks before injuries happen. Validated against laboratory standards like the Vicon system, it provides fast, objective data on movement quality and helps pinpoint areas of concern. Early risk detection allows targeted interventions, like RockTape and TriggerPoint Therapy, that can significantly reduce injury rates (prevention) and well as speed recovery (first-aid intervention).
The Solution How We Can Help
The future of injury prevention means moving from reactive to proactive strategies. Employers who adopt a comprehensive approach combining assessment, supported tools, and education can dramatically reduce MSDs among their employees. The FMT or Functional Movement Training Industrial Athlete Program offers this kind of integrated solution.
Here’s what the FMT IA program includes:
Kinetisense Movement Screening
Objective Data Collection - Risk Mitigation Screening
This, simple to use, system detects asymmetries and compensations that could lead to injury. Validation studies show its effectiveness in assessing injury risk and providing reliable results, in addition to a reference guide to suggested interventions, including the use of kinesiology tape (RockTape).
Learn more about Kinetisense.
Kinesiology Tape/Pain Relieving Topicals from RockTape
Studies demonstrate that kinesiology tape can significantly reduce workplace injuries (20-40% in numerous pilot studies). It offers OSHA friendly support for strains/sprains and helps improve movement confidence leading to greater worker satisfaction rates.
More about RockTape.
Self-Massage Tools from TriggerPoint
Using foam rollers and massage balls regularly helps employees improve flexibility, reduce soreness, and prevent injuries. Numerous studies link self-myofascial release with better recovery and lower injury risk.
Explore TriggerPoint tools.
The FMT Industrial Athlete Education Platform
The platform provides (CE approved) online courses, live webinars, and hands-on training to empower safety teams and workers with OSHA-compliant injury prevention strategies. It helps create a safety culture that lasts.
Discover the FMT Platform.
The Impact Early and Effective Prevention Makes
Research shows that applying these strategies can lead to a reduction in injuries at work by over 25-40% percent. Lower injury rates mean fewer costs for workers’ compensation and medical expenses and happier, more engaged employees. Prevention also boosts confidence among workers and improves overall safety culture.
Take the Next Step
The future of workplace health and safety is here. By implementing the FMT Industrial Athlete Program, you can identify risks early, support employees’ health, and create a safer, more productive work environment.
Contact us today to learn about a no-risk pilot program. Let’s work together to make injury prevention smarter and more effective.
References
- National Safety Council. (2020). Injury Costs and Impact. Available at https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/costs/
- https://aflcio.org/reports/dotj-2025
- https://ohsonline.com/articles/2025/02/26/nsc-addresses-msds-in-the-workplace.aspx
- Harsted, S. D., et al. (2020). Validation of motion analysis systems. PubMed ID 32597845.
- Benno, L., et al. (2019). Kinesiology tape and injury prevention. PubMed ID 31090872.
- Tran L, Makram AM, Makram OM, Elfaituri MK, Morsy S, Ghozy S, Zayan AH, Nam NH, Zaki MMM, Allison EL, Hieu TH, Le Quang L, Hung DT, Huy NT. Efficacy of Kinesio Taping Compared to Other Treatment Modalities in Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Res Sports Med. 2023 Jul-Dec;31(4):416-439
- Cheatham, S. W., et al. (2019). Self-myofascial release benefits. PubMed ID 31193610.
