Stretching policy/program
Hey all,
I'm working with a plumbing heating, & AC company that is having a lot of back strain injuries. Does anyone know of a good way to roll out a stretching program? Are there any good APPS for phones out there? One issue we're running into is that not everyone communes in one location before they start work, and there's different shifts. Wondering how to track the stretching as well. Any information helps and I thank you in advance!
Comments (8)
Talk to Lori Frederic. She's the best in the business when it comes to that stuff!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorifrederic
Laminated sheets go a long way if an app doesn't work out.
Also consider reiteration of proper lifting and moving techniques, stretching and limbering up to use improper lifting techniques doesn't really focus on the problem.
Lifting with the legs and not the back is always something that comes to mind, but also lifting, bending, pulling, and twisting all at the same time is a disaster in the making.
Stress the team lifts.
This comes from the Guy with L4 and L5 fused. Team the stretching with proper body mechanics for a more effective program.
Also emphasize early injury reporting and not waiting till that twinge they felt becomes a more severe problem.
I also second Lori Frederic from Drews recommendation, she has some awesome video clips.
Stretching can be helpful, and taking care of one's body is a good idea, but here's another approach:
Why not conduct an RCA for the injuries? People don't get hurt because they didn't stretch; they get hurt because they performed a task that injured them.
Because of this, stretching is a band-aid to the real problem, and we, as EHS professionals, need to guide the organization to a better way of performing the risky task.
I'm happy to show you some tools to address ergonomic risk systematically.
I have a lot of experience with Ergo Injuries. In my opinion they can be divided into three categories:
#1 Acute injuries usually from improper positions.
#2 Chronic and MDS (Musculoskeletal Disorders) usually from repetitive motions.
#3 Really a combination of the first two, but because of causation, costs, and remediation I lump on its own, Lifting!
In my opinion for lifting injuries stretching is one small tool. I would classify it as a macro ergonomic tool and can be used for all three above! There are some stretches that may be targeted for lifting and backs. But I am no DC, PT, OT, or Ergonomist (which are usually one of the former 3). But for lifting I have two strong tools, as most lifting injuries in my experience is from improper Lifting Techniques! If you allow people to lift things from the floor, use the "crane-technique for lifting (where people stand flat footed and bend at the hips and lift an object from the floor), and allow people to twist as they lift you are going to have lots of problems. Get a good DC, PT, OT, or Ergonomist and TEACH PEOPLE to Lift Safely!!!! Then you must train your Supervisors and Leaders to hold everyone to it!
Finally for $750 buy a video named the 'Power Lift Technique" It will be the best $750 you ever spent! Follow what it teaches you!
Bottom line is you need a lot more than just stretching!