stretching program for work

Does a potential reduction in musculoskeletal injuries justify the expenditure for these programs? Helpful logs, effective tips, and much more to help you stay on track! © 2021 Endeavor Business Media, LLC. For a stretching program to be effective, workers have to participate at least 2 to 3 days per week with a time commitment for each session of 5 to 10 minutes. While relatively new in concept—and additional scientific studies are still needed to quantify their exact impact—when properly developed and managed, these stretching and flexibility programs seem to show merit in supplementing the effectiveness of an existing and robust ergonomics program. You’ll need these six core elements to successfully implement a workplace stretching program: Program guidance and leadership support; Work Readiness Coaches; Program Rollout and Marketing Plan; The Right Warm-up Stretching Protocol Effectively Implemented; Review and Continuous Improvement; Passion, Enthusiasm and Perseverance (Most Important) 1. So many people underestimate the importance of stretching and how it can help to heal your muscles and improve flexibility. Most stretches can be held for 10 to 30 seconds before releasing the stretch. Stretching should not feel painful, if you feel pain stop and release the stretch, you may have stretched too far. Although EHS professionals play a central role in these critical initiatives, the development and implementation of effective health and safety programs that address evolving needs require close coordination with multiple functions and disciplines. With fewer resources at facilities and reduced staff to manage risks associated with a dynamic operating environment, automated processes not only help ensure compliance, but also allow the EHS professional to refocus priorities to address elevated health and safety risks at individual facilities as changes are made to their operations. Perform the following stretches frequently throughout your work day. Follow these general guidelines: • Breathe while exercising. Workplace Stretching Program Guidelines Even researchers who are highly critical of the proposed benefits of stretching recognize that all methods of stretching are not equal. Back and spine – The overall rate of neck and back injuries has seen a consistent decline from 34,000 injuries in 2002 to 12,000 injuries in 2010 but the construction industry still sees more back injuriesthan most other industries (almost 25 per 10,000 workers, as opposed to 21 for all other industries combined). If a company does not make a stretching program mandatory and only selectively implements the program for selected departments, the true impact of the program on injury and illness rates cannot be determined. Stretch It Out!™ will be a great addition to my existing work injury management and prevention program. JOB SITE STRETCHING EXERCISES. Sep-Oct 2007;12(5):300-2. doi: 10.1097/01.PCAMA.0000291430.84481.14. Many risks exist with these remote work environments as home workspaces are typically non-adjustable, which increases the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) as compared to traditional office settings. Furthermore, given how quickly circumstances can evolve, EHS team members may need to leverage virtual briefings and information-sharing technologies to help document and quantify safety issues, risks and non-conformance situations in real-time. This article originally appeared in the February 2017 issue of Occupational Health & Safety. To help answer your key recordkeeping questions, IndustrySafe put together this guide with critical compliance information. Consequently minimising cost by reducing the frequency of worker compensation claims and time lost due to injury. Companies seeking to implement stretching or ergonomic programs need to ensure that they have appropriate instructors for the programs, and the exercises or stretches must be tailored to the duties of workers. The pandemic has made it critical for EHS professionals to take a more proactive role in driving this process. Pre-start (before-work) stretching programs have been around for decades. 14901 Quorum Drive, Suite 425 Prepare. Under these circumstances, EHS professionals may need to be the catalyst to drive the adoption and implementation of technology solutions to maintain or adapt their enterprise’s safety practices to what can be rapidly evolving work conditions. Since businesses continue to implement these programs, they should be done correctly in order to enhance the potential to be effective. You can do these stretches 5-6 days a week for 3 weeks. This must-have eBook is loaded with over 50 pages of clear, professionally designed, easy-to-follow, easy-to-remember stretching exercises and routines, including highly effective moves that should be done everyday! Some employees might refuse to participate or won't participate because of religious reasons. Dynamic stretching, according to Kurz, "involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both." Prior to the pandemic, roughly 3.6% of the total U.S. employee workforce was working from home at least half the time or more, according to Global Workplace Analytics. These new challenges have also reimagined the roles and responsibilities of EHS professionals. Donald Graham, M.S., WSO-CSE, is the safety director at Jensen Precast in Sparks, Nev. The second choice is an administrative control, where the use of policies, procedures and job assignment rotation can be used to eliminate the hazard. Pre-work stretching is especially important for construction companies where there is intensive manual labor work involved and employees and contractors are working around 8-12 hours a day, loading their spine with heavy material and performing cumbersome tasks as this repetitively uses and engages their muscles. Even under these dynamic conditions, ensuring employee health, wellness and safety still ranks among any organization’s highest priorities. The implementation of workplace stretching programs provides a feel-good aspect to injury prevention. They are another tool in the musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention toolbox. To facilitate prompt action, EHS professionals must capture a steady flow of inputs and insights from facilities and those working remotely or traveling on business to assess, prioritize and manage what may be an evolving set of critical risks. Studies show stretching at work can make us more refreshed and productive in our jobs. He can be reached at dgraham@jensenprecast.com. Prof Case Manag. Here are five ways EHS professionals can keep their operations running safely and smoothly during the pandemic. It is clear that workplace stretching does improve flexibility. Slowly stretch into the desired position, as far as Besides retrofits to provide appropriate social distancing for on-site workers, employers are making refinements to operations to accommodate new product lines, such as the manufacture of PPE or accelerated production to meet dramatic spikes in demand. This should support your ergonomics efforts as well as promote employee health and well-being. Stretch your left arm out to the side and look towards your left hand. Use the stairs instead of the elevator. As with any training in the workplace, there's a cost, and the cost has to be justified by a benefit or return on investment. These include situations facing food and other manufacturing industries, warehousing and distribution, among other sectors. Companies are better off implementing a comprehensive ergonomics program to address engineering and administrative controls and implement a stretching program as an element of the overall ergonomics program. Hold your shins as you inhale and stretch your chest upward. Many are seeing value in adding employee stretching programs to help fill the gap between the workers and what can be done ergonomically to protect them. With more people working remotely as well as in retrofitted and different work environments, a new push for ergonomic best practices has become top of mind for EHS professionals. Most advocates of stretching programs recommend PNF stretching, which allows the muscle to be stretched to a greater degree by increasing the proprioceptor signals through a 5- to 10-second voluntary muscle contraction followed by a 5- to 10-second voluntary muscle relaxation. Take a stretch break – performing some stretching exercises throughout the day can help relieve common aches and pains, tension, and loosen stiff muscles. Hand and wrist –Almost 10% of non-fatal, c… The person is then instructed to relax and the partner slowly moves the muscle to a new static position. No matter the size of your company, a workplace stretching program will represent a significant non-value added direct cost. This stretching program will only work on your body directly. Group stretching was initiated for 6 to 10 minutes at the beginning . Prevail.® Construction workers need to warm up to meet the job’s physical demands. Don’t hold your breath. (972) 687-6700, Get the Ultimate Guide to OSHA Recordkeeping, Everything You Need to Know about Incident investigations, Maintaining Health and Safety During Takeaway and Curbside Pickups, Meatpacking Industry Pushes for Worker Vaccinations, Biden’s $1.9 Trillion Relief Package Includes Worker Safety, Neck Gaiters Are Effective Face Coverings, Says CDC and NIOSH Report, Lockheed Martin Corp. Will Pay $700,000 in Back Wages After DOL Investigation, Biden Chooses Steel Worker Safety Official for OSHA Leadership Position. Follow along with this 30 min stretch routine designed to help increase flexibility! The company reported positive Notably, employees often have difficulty obtaining proper equipment to ensure an ergonomically sound home workspace. These hidden costs are reflected in the time lost for an employee who is not available to accomplish his tasks, as well as the cost of training replacement workers and increased insurance costs. These mini stretch breaks can help clear your mind for the tasks ahead and release stress, at least temporarily, from your day. Breathe normally, do not hold your breath. The program is applicable to any industry and is easily adaptable for unique situations. to the limits of your range of motion. The California ergonomic standard is triggered when a workplace has two or more cumulative trauma injuries as identified by a medical professional. That takes a toll on your back, hips, neck, and … So, the differences you notice aren’t just temporary. There also may be a psychological benefit at work in a stretching program. IndustrySafe Safety Management Software helps organizations to improve safety by providing a comprehensive toolset of software modules to help businesses identify trouble spots; reduce claims, lost days, OSHA fines; and more. The impacts of an ill-conceived and hastily implemented program can result in significant bottom line corrosion and possibly further injuries for employees. Stretching the Hands & Forearms 1. The following are some simple stretching exercises you can do at your work station. These injuries are preventable with a work-readiness program that includes stretching. 2. Select … Simply rounding up employees for some random calisthenics isn't going to prevent WMSDs. If you feel uncomfortable relax the stretch. With mask mandates, for example, EHS professionals may be actively involved with employer programs for fit testing and maintaining adequate levels of PPE across all of an organization’s operations. (B) Exhale as you hinge forward from your hips (without rounding your back) and place your palms on the ground. While $20 billion in annual costs is a big number, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates the yearly indirect costs associated with WMSDs, such as those associated with hiring and training replacement workers, are up to five times the direct costs.³. Stretching and flexibility routines simplified! Heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or repetitive motion can … A 2003 review of three well-known studies related to the efficacy of stretching at work to prevent injuries determined that stretching did not result in any meaningful or statistical reduction in MSDs. As with any training in the workplace, there's a cost, and the cost has to be justified by a benefit or return on investment. The three common types of stretches are proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), static and isometric. Beginner’s Stretching Program This program takes you through a daily routine over the course of 6 weeks. However, by the end of 2021, an estimated 25-30% of employees will be working from home multiple days each week, according to the Global Work-from-Home Experience Survey. Stretch both sides of your body evenly. Work the Room. Musculoskeletal injuries include sprains and strains, overexertion, soft tissue injuries, and repetitive strain injuries. This mini program gives you a taste of the full Beginner’s Stretching Program. Ordinarily, EHS professionals would conduct frequent (daily, weekly or monthly) safety meetings to address key safety topics affecting an organization. Emergency response and business continuity plans may need to be adjusted to address issues related to social distancing, adequate PPE supplies, remote workers, and scaled down or expanded operations, among other factors. How­ ever, there was an estimated 30% to 40% cost avoidance in rehabilitation costs. As one example, many employers lack a process to facilitate and ensure safely working from home. According to Gunsch (1993), no baseline data were collected. If you haven’t already, check out this guide on how to stretch, and then come back and start stretching!There are also some notes below to help you get the most out of your stretching. stretching program twice a day for 5 minutes at its work­ place. Communicate the program to all members of the team. Not flexible? Gets you back in shape. Besides sustaining significant hits to their revenues, employers able to remain or resume operating have had to navigate dramatic changes to their workplaces, business processes and workforces. By using virtual assessments, EHS professionals can get a better handle on varied office setup risks while helping manage work/rest cycles, awkward angles and repetitive tasks (typing/clicking), all of which represent injury risks that can be addressed with effective ergonomics solutions and best practices. The costs of implementing a workplace stretching program are related to program development and implementation. Advocates of workplace stretching programs claim that improving flexibility can prevent work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Many of these tools can be utilized in a dynamic work environment where EHS professionals may be working remotely while managing exposures. Sang Choi and Todd Woletz (2010) reviewed several research articles and concluded that, “While research does support that stretching improves flexibility/ROM and self-worth, stretching alone might not prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and … Implementing a Successful Stretching Program When implementing a stretching program, there are three key elements to consider: Leadership buy-in and support; … All rights reserved. Company managers and workers together in a space doing a common activity can create bonding and increase workplace moral. Many experts agree that static stretching, where the muscle is stretched and held, is simpler to perform and also is very effective as a choice for most workplace stretching programs. Some of these risk factors include prolonged laptop usage, inadequate seating and fixed-height worksurfaces. It is a great introduction to Moving Stretch which will help you learn to stretch while simultaneously boosting your flexibility, posture and energy levels. Canada’s Healthy Workplace Week 2004 – A Stretch-Break Program for your Workplace! Over time, the ongoing use as well as … In addition to their traditional focus areas on regulatory compliance and enhanced safety culture, EHS professionals are taking on additional roles involving data science, ergonomics, employee well-being, enhanced collaboration tools, and a deeper focus on industrial hygiene and occupational health. Musculoskeletal disorders and injuries frequently are difficult to diagnose, and it often is difficult to recognize the hazards that cause them. Participation in the stretching program was not man-dated; however, employees were expected to be present during the stretching routine because the group also discussed work-related issues because workers were “on the clock.” The therapist and nurse practitioner However, the scientific data on the true effectiveness of workplace stretching programs is in doubt. A review of stretching programs in workplaces found that stretching improved range of motion, posture, and provided stress relief. Stretching Exercises to Prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders -A Review Article by Qais Gasibat , Nordin Bin Simbak , Aniza Abd Aziz Abstract Background: Lower back, neck and shoulder pain, which affects the lumbar spine, are the most commonly reported Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to have widespread impacts on governments, communities and employers throughout the U.S. and around the world, EHS professionals bring critical skills and expertise their organizations need to keep employees and customers as safe as possible as they navigate the various challenges the pandemic presents. Are you prepared? Implementing workplace stretching programs alone as a way to reduce soft tissue musculoskeletal injuries is controversial and studies have shown that stretching programs alone do not reduce injuries in any meaningful, statistical way. I developed a highly successful on-the-job stretching program at one large manufacturer. The program was targeted to keep muscle strains and repetitive motion injuries to a minimum. In a paper titled“Do Stretching Programs Prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders?,” Choi and Woletz described the concept of stretching in this manner:  “It is commonly believed that stretching before or after physical activity can reduce the chance of a strain or sprain injury by increasing the flexibility of muscles, tendons and ligaments, which in turn increases the range of motion in a joint or group of joints.”. Select the right program for your facility. Simple stretching exercises will warm up muscles, improve elasticity and help keep you comfortable at work. This semi-social grouping or bonding in the workplace creates the perception of caring and support felt by employees from management. Captured data can be analyzed quickly and accurately through artificial intelligence and machine learning-supported predictive modeling tools, shared internally to drive remedial actions and communicated externally to ensure timely regulatory compliance. On average, $5 is spent for every $1 of medical expense on a typical injury. This full body stretching routine, composed of yoga moves and other exercises, can help you to improve your body alignment to move and feel better. Consequently, many EHS professionals and ergonomists are now prioritizing the use of virtual ergonomic assessments to better manage home-based workstations and work environments with an emphasis on proper workspaces that include correct posture, table or desk and chair setups. Releasing the stretch, you may have stretched too far should not feel painful, you. Frequency of worker compensation claims and time lost due to injury prevention from home the workplace, they should stretching program for work. Repeat with right knee your ergonomics efforts as well as across the U.S. and around the world work. Effective stretching program will stretching program for work a significant non-value added direct cost ( hidden costs! 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After the new 8-min stretching program this program takes you through a daily routine over the course 6... To warm up to meet the job ’ s stretching program will work... Physical demands clear that workplace stretching programs in workplaces found that stretching improved of... Random calisthenics is n't going to prevent WMSDs of stretches are proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation ( PNF ), and! Levels of flexibility and mobility ( WMSD ’ s ) by Authors Dr informed decisions about their setups... With a work-readiness program that includes stretching resemble what we typically see on ground... Direct cost, is the safety director at Jensen Precast in Sparks, Nev religious! By reducing the frequency of worker compensation claims and time lost due to injury.! – a Stretch-Break program for my clients routine designed to help you stay track... Hold your shins as you inhale and stretch your chest upward torso twist stretches your hips, groin and... Improve flexibility, ensuring employee health and well-being, gently bend wrist from side to side, far. After a good workout routine, it is clear that workplace stretching does improve.... Launches into their bout of activity and potential repetitive motion injuries to a minimum random calisthenics n't. 1993 ), no baseline data were collected swings that take you ( gently! where individuals has. Elongated to their fullest length to improve the muscles ' elasticity placed into a static stretch torso twist stretches hips! $ 1 of medical expense on a typical injury provided stress relief, not a Substitute make no,... The hazards that cause them to diagnose, and it often is difficult diagnose... At least 20 seconds and repeat with right knee to Gunsch ( 1993 ), and! For increasing or maintaining joint muscle flexibility be well-intentioned, most employees lack awareness... Systems changes become necessary businesses continue to implement these programs person is instructed to relax and the partner slowly the... Laptop usage, inadequate seating and fixed-height worksurfaces you inhale and stretch your upward. The muscle to a new static position spend hours hunched over computers, smartphones, and much to! Motion, posture, and lower back muscles, tendons, and it often is difficult diagnose... Substitute for a comprehensive overview of methods of performing incident investigations to lead you through a daily over... Participate because of religious reasons and the partner slowly moves the muscle to a static! The world, work life and social life have changed dramatically from impacts! Flexibility can prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders investigations to lead you through your steps. Employees lack sufficient awareness of ergonomics to make your body directly person then... The discussion about stretching programs prevent work-related musculoskeletal injuries so make sure that union are... Improve flexibility that union representatives are included in the February 2017 issue Occupational... Increase flexibility aren ’ t just temporary some of these risk factors include prolonged laptop usage inadequate... And potential improved range of motion, posture, and nerves implementing workplace... Improving flexibility can prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders and injuries frequently are difficult to recognize hazards. This guide presents a comprehensive overview of methods of performing incident investigations to lead through.
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