Warm-up Stretching
Reducing workplace injury through warm-up stretching
Many jobs require employees to expend large amounts of energy, and perform a variety of movements, including repetitive movements. When the employee doesn't prepare and maintain his or her body for work, there is an increased risk of a work-related musculoskeletal injury. Just as an athlete can prevent injury with a proper warm-up and stretching program, workplace warm-up stretching programs can also reduce the risk of injury-especially to the back, shoulders, arms, and wrists. Warm-up stretching has many benefits including: reducing workplace injury, reducing insurance costs, increasing production, and increasing worker morale. Employees in select industries are most likely to benefit from these types of programs, including warehouse workers, mechanics, construction workers, data entry workers, assembly line workers, movers, and manufacturers.
Helping employers reduce workplace injury
Reducing workplace injuries is a key component of Concentra's comprehensive health and wellness program. A Concentra Athletic Health Specialist will conduct a simple worksite/workstation evaluation in order to identify solutions and suggestions. This analysis will also include a 30-minute to 1-hour on-site training program with workplace warm-up stretching exercises tailored to that specific workplace. In labor-intensive workplaces, an ADApt program may also be beneficial in the development of pre-placement and back-to-work examinations.
