As little as five to 10 minutes of daily stretching can increase flexibility, improve range of motion and circulation, promote better posture, relieve stress, and reduce the possibility of painful sprains and strains.
What is true in the realm of recreational exercise and sports is just as true in the world of physical labor, where musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most frequent causes of injuries, lost time and reduced productivity. According to 2009 data from the
Bureau of Labor Statistics:
- strains and sprains were the most frequent nature of injuries and illnesses across all industries and generally required a median of nine days away from work; and
- MSDs (injuries or illnesses affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage or spinal discs) accounted for 33.6 percent of workplace injuries in the construction industry requiring time away from work.
Construction is replete with tasks involving the lifting and manipulation of heavy objects. Workers frequently push, pull, bend, lift and reach to transport and use heavy tools and equipment. As a result, opportunities for sprains and strains are more prevalent on a construction site than in an office, manufacturing or retail setting.
Studies prove safe and consistent stretching can help employees reduce musculoskeletal disorders and other work-related injuries and illnesses.
While some initial skepticism may occur on a construction jobsite, employees participating in onsite stretching programs appreciate their employers’ efforts to reduce the most common workplace injuries. After all, workers are the ones most affected by the aches and pains—not to mention potential injuries and disabilities—brought on by physical labor. After just a few weeks of regular stretching, employees often report how much better they feel, even while performing mundane tasks such as tying shoes or picking up grandchildren.
A stretching program is not a cure-all for construction jobsite injuries. However, it should be one component of a comprehensive ergonomics program. Experience among companies that institute stretching programs suggests the frequency and severity of average sprain and strain claims, as well as lost workdays, fell by more than 50 percent. As the benefits of stretching programs are communicated across the construction industry, more contractors are participating and even requiring subcontractors to institute programs.
During this tough economic period, every construction firm is looking for ways to reduce costs and increase efficiencies to win and retain a competitive advantage. A dedicated emphasis on reducing unnecessary costs related to sprain and strain injuries should be among the first actions taken.