Stretch & Flex Programs: Effects on the Reduction of Musculoskeletal Disorders & Injuries

Document Type

Article

Department or Administrative Unit

Engineering Technologies, Safety, and Construction

Publication Date

5-2017

Abstract

This study evaluated the impact of stretch-and-flex (SF) programs on construction worker safety and health by comparing construction firms’ safety performance/injury rates before and after the implementation of workplace SF programs.
Sprain/strain was the most frequent musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) injury type followed by rotator cuff injury, back injury, tendinitis, epicondylitis and carpal tunnel syndrome due to overexertion, motion/position, tools/machinery, lifting improperly and wear/tear.
The authors analyzed information on pre- and post-SF program implementation and safety performance (i.e., number of MSDs, OSHA-recordable injuries, lost-workday injuries).
Data suggest that work-related MSDs and injuries can be reduced by implementing SF programs.

Comments

This article was originally published in Professional Safety. The full-text article from the publisher can be found here.

Due to copyright restrictions, this article is not available for free download from ScholarWorks @ CWU.

Journal

Professional Safety

Rights

Copyright © 2017 American Society of Safety Professionals

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