Stretching before working?

Paul in Cannon Beach

Have any of your companies implemented stretching before manual labor type work: housekeeping, warehouse, etc?

Recently one of our housekeepers had a lower back strain and her doctor encouraged her to do some stretching prior to starting work.

That got me thinking if stretching wouldn't be a good thing for our workers to do as a group.

ACU Frank

Does stretching across the table for another donut count?

Paul in Cannon Beach

I think so. Interestingly, the research on workplace stretching seems to be inconclusive. There was a study that showed no basic difference in the # of workplace injuries but a decrease in the amount of time loss.

Stretching is controversial however. There isn't even agreement that stretching before working out is necessary or helpful.

cowen

I'm not sure if stretching helps or not. But I know we subscribe to a wonderful little weekly newsletter that I get electronically once a week called Healthetips and as a freebie with it, I get a very short little electronic mail called "MovinMinute" also weekly that usually focuses on 1 stretch or exercise for the workplace. Be glad to share contact info if you want. I think it's about $175. a year.

Our employees love both.

Carole

NaeNae55

Start a Tai Chi class before each work shift. That should help.