Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant challenge in workplace safety, with the private sector 976,090 musculoskeletal disorder cases that led to days off of work in 2021-2022. These injuries, often caused by repetitive motion, force, vibration, and awkward positions, can result in severe sprains, strains, and back injuries.

According to and the , workers in warehouse and distribution roles also face some of the highest rates of serious injury, particularly from overexertion. Reducing these risks not only protects physical health, but also contributes to stronger retention and overall employee well-being.

Innovative Risk Management Solutions

Amerisure’s commitment to pioneering innovative safety solutions has recently seen remarkable advancements under the . With a focus on cutting-edge technology to combat workplace injuries, Amerisure was awarded a safety grant to pilot , designed to mitigate lower back injuries—a prevalent concern in MSD-related claims.

“Amerisure is proud to support the NSC’s efforts to develop repeatable, real-world safety solutions,” said Ryan Anderson, Risk Management Technology Programs Manager at Amerisure.

“We see firsthand how physically demanding jobs take a toll on workers. That’s why we’re so focused on prevention—especially through emerging technologies that help our �鶹ԭ�� protect their teams.”

Real Results

Amerisure partnered with several �鶹ԭ�� across various regions to evaluate the impact of HeroWear exosuits in real-world work environments. Two organizations participated in a 90-day pilot program, while another conducted an extended 12-month evaluation.

During this time, employees integrated these cutting-edge exosuits into their daily routines; extensive feedback was collected through employee surveys, alongside critical HR metrics like injury rates, productivity levels, absenteeism, and turnover rates. This comprehensive data collection allowed the study to capture both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of the exosuit technology in real-world applications.

The results were compelling:

• One company reported a 40.74% decrease in worker fatigue from heavy lifting and a 26.92% reduction in lower back discomfort
• Another detailed a 42.19% reduction in fatigue from heavy lifts alongside a 32.84% reduction in lower back discomfort
• Among nearly 100 workers using exosuits for over a year, zero back strain injuries were reported, along with an average 42% reduction in lower back discomfort and a 26% drop in work-related fatigue

“At Amerisure, my goal in working with each of my clients is to mitigate any potential risks to their business—which includes protecting each of their workers,” said Anderson. “It’s exciting to see measurable results in the data—but even more meaningful to witness firsthand how this technology is improving safety, comfort, and confidence on the job.”

Promising Results and Future Plans

Following a successful showcase at the National Safety Council’s Annual Congress and Expo last fall, plans are underway to expand the use of the HeroWear exosuits across more �鶹ԭ��—bringing this proven safety innovation to more workplaces where it can have a meaningful impact.

“We are thrilled to be identified among the nation’s top safety innovators and work together with the NSC in implementing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,” said Kevin Clary, Vice President of Risk Management at Amerisure. “Our participation in the grant program reflects a core part of our service philosophy—delivering emerging safety technologies that help our agency partners and �鶹ԭ�� create safer, more resilient workplaces.”

For more updates and to explore how we’re working together to make safety a priority, visit amerisure.com

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant challenge in workplace safety, with the private sector 976,090 musculoskeletal disorder cases that led to days off of work in 2021-2022. These injuries, often caused by repetitive motion, force, vibration, and awkward positions, can result in severe sprains, strains, and back injuries.

Innovative Pilot Program Launch

Amerisure’s commitment to pioneering innovative safety solutions has recently seen remarkable advancements under the MSD Solutions Lab. With a focus on cutting-edge technology to combat workplace injuries, Amerisure was awarded a safety grant to pilot , designed to mitigate lower back injuries—a prevalent concern in MSD-related claims.

“As pioneers in workplace safety solutions, we always prefer to help prevent an employee’s injury altogether. This is why we are very excited to assist the NSC’s with their work to develop repeatable solutions that improve workplace safety,” explained Ryan Anderson, a risk management technology programs manager at Amerisure.

Selection and Testing of Policyholders

Amerisure partnered with two �鶹ԭ�� in the Midwest and Southeast, providing each with ten HeroWear Apex 2 exosuits for a 90-day evaluation period. During this time, employees integrated these cutting-edge exosuits into their daily routines; extensive feedback was collected through employee surveys, alongside critical HR metrics like injury rates, productivity levels, absenteeism, and turnover rates. This comprehensive data collection allowed the study to capture both the quantitative and qualitative benefits of the exosuit technology in real-world applications.

Promising Results and Future Plans

The preliminary feedback from the pilot has been overwhelmingly positive, with early indicators promising a significant reduction in lower back stress. Amerisure is now preparing a detailed case study, which will soon be published to share insights and outcomes from the pilot program.

Following a successful showcase at the National Safety Council’s recent Annual Congress and Expo in Orlando, plans are underway to expand the use of these exosuits across more �鶹ԭ��, underscoring our role as a leader in proactive workplace safety measures.

“We are thrilled to be identified among the nation’s top safety innovators and work together with the NSC in implementing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,” said Kevin Clary, Amerisure’s vice president of risk management. “Our company’s participation in the grant program speaks to our service differentiator of identifying and offering emerging safety technologies to the benefit of our agency customers and �鶹ԭ��.”

For more updates and to explore how we’re working together to make safety a priority at: https://bit.ly/3BldDFl.

As part of its involvement with the National Safety Council’s (NSC) to help prevent these types of injuries, Amerisure’s Risk Management team has been awarded a safety grant through the NSC’s MSD Solutions Lab. Participation in the “Pilot Grant 1.0” program will include the selection of two �鶹ԭ�� who will leverage analytic video assessments and exoskeleton wearable devices through exclusive technology partnerships with Amerisure. These companies will be recognized for their involvement and the results can aid in advancements to reduce worker injury rates and absenteeism.

“As pioneers in workplace safety solutions, we always prefer to help prevent an employee’s injury altogether. This is why we are very excited to assist the NSC’s MSD Solutions Lab with their work to develop repeatable solutions that improve workplace safety,” said Ryan Anderson, risk management expertise specialist at Amerisure. “The program provides us an opportunity to pilot safety technologies and determine the impact these solutions can make on musculoskeletal disorders.”

Following an application and screening process, Amerisure will select �鶹ԭ�� for the program this fall. Participating �鶹ԭ�� must be exposed to the types of ergonomic safety risks related to the pilot technology; already be proven champions for safety at their organization, with a strong safety culture; and be willing to share the resulting data from the pilot program for a future case study.

“We are thrilled to be identified among the nation’s top safety innovators and work together with the NSC in implementing cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,” said Kevin Clary, Amerisure’s vice president of risk management and premium audit. “Our company’s participation in the grant program speaks to our service differentiator of identifying and offering emerging safety technologies to the benefit of our agency customers and �鶹ԭ��.”

Amerisure is a founding member of the National Safety Council’s safety advisory group to help prevent workplace injuries. Funded by Amazon and implemented in 2021, the council seeks to address risks associated with musculoskeletal injuries and drive initiatives to prevent workplace losses by engaging key leaders and stakeholders, leveraging technologies and implementing prevention solutions.

As part of the council participation, Amerisure was also recently awarded the MSD Solutions Index Badge, which represents the company’s commitment to reduce the most common workplace injuries.

To learn more about the NSC and the safety grant pilot program, .

MSD injuries include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back strains and sprains. According to the National Safety Council, these injuries are the leading cause of worker disability, early retirement, and limitations to gainful employment. By signing the pledge, Amerisure and several leading companies vow to reduce worker risks by analyzing the cause of MSD injuries, sharing best practices to improve safety, building an organizational culture that values safety, and committing to a reduction of these injuries.

The pledge is an initiative as part of the National Safety Council’s new safety advisory group to help prevent workplace injuries, of which Amerisure is a founding member. Funded by Amazon, the council seeks to address risks associated with ergonomic injuries and drive initiatives to prevent workplace losses by engaging key leaders and stakeholders, leveraging technologies, and implementing prevention solutions.

“It’s an honor to be among an all-star cast of companies who have signed the MSD Pledge and are leading the way in cutting-edge solutions for the prevention of workplace injuries,” said Kevin Clary, Amerisure’s vice president of risk management, premium audit and agency services. “Our participation in the pledge and council is a recognition of our efforts with emerging safety technologies for the benefit of our partner agencies and �鶹ԭ�� and is a testament to our employees’ work on advancing safety in this area.”

Amerisure leads the insurance industry in recognizing and preventing exposures encountered in the workplace, and in implementing safety solutions to mitigate injury-related losses for �鶹ԭ�� in manufacturing, construction and healthcare. The company offers several exclusive solutions to help reduce injuries at work, including an ongoing wearables program to minimize the frequency and severity of ergonomic injury-related claims. Amerisure is also in the discovery phase of a pilot program to adopt and use technology related to exoskeleton structures that can aid in lifting heavy objects for �鶹ԭ��.

By signing the MSD Pledge, Amerisure receives access to resources to help reduce worker injuries and will participate in the MSD Solutions Index, an aggregate data resource that analyzes the benefits of the pledge and identifies areas for future action. As a safety focus area within Amerisure’s own workforce,
the expertise of workplace consultants is regularly leveraged to conduct ergonomic risk assessments.

Amerisure has met with the safety council during panel discussions and webinars this year to collaborate on safety initiatives and tactics to explore. In addition to the pledge rollout, the council plans to conduct extensive research, host a hackathon to inspire solutions from students, and provide small business grants.

Learn more about the MSD Pledge and the council at the .

About Amerisure Insurance
Amerisure is a leading provider of commercial property and casualty insurance solutions for U.S.-based construction, manufacturing and healthcare businesses. Licensed in all fifty states and available through an exclusive network of elite independent agents, the company upholds an “A” (Excellent) financial strength rating, industry-leading service scores, and multiple awards for innovation. Amerisure has been in business for more than 100 years and is consistently named among the best places to work in the industry and throughout the nation. To learn more, visit .

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