a little (hard) work never hurt anyone
Doing hard, arduous work won't have any ill effects on a person, and, in fact, it is often beneficial to them. I told Mrs. Smith that you would help clean out her attic, and I don't want to hear any complaints about it—a little work never hurt anyone. I think it would be good for Sarah to get a job this summer. A little hard work never hurt anyone, after all.
little (hard) work never hurt anyone
and little (hard) work never killed anyoneProv. One should expect to do hard or difficult work and not avoid doing it. Go help your father with the yard work. A little hard work never hurt anyone. Go ahead. Bring me some more bricks. A little work never killed anyone.