Abstract Background Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) account for approximately one-third of all injuries in the U.S. construction industry. Many companies have implemented stretch and flex (s/f) programs to reduce WMSD despite a lack of evidence showing effectiveness. Methods We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand (a) why employers continue devoting resources to s/f programs; (b) how programs vary; and (c) any actual or perceived benefits. Results Nineteen safety and health professionals were interviewed and 133 more (13.3% response rate) completed an on-line survey. Fifty-six percent had implemented an s/f program with the primary goal of reducing WMSDs; though most did not review data to determine goal achievement. Program structure varied in terms of duration, frequency, and type of stretches. There was strong agreement about mandating attendance but not participation, due primarily to liability issues. Cost was a factor when deciding to implement a program but not for sustaining one. The majority had not implemented other ergonomic prevention activities, but many had started conducting daily safety huddles for task and safety planning. Those reporting a reduction in WMSDs agreed that it was not due to the s/f program alone and that other benefits included increased worker camaraderie, communication, and collaboration. Conclusion Although there is little to no scientific evidence showing that they work as intended, construction companies continue to implement s/f programs with the goal of reducing WMSDs. Bringing work crews together for s/f activities has prompted employers to also begin conducting daily safety huddles. Although employers may not be able to link reduced WMDS to an s/f program, the ancillary benefits may warrant the time and resources. Practical applications S/f programs should be only one component of a more comprehensive ergonomics prevention program. Conducting daily safety huddles at the same time also may enhance worker communication, camaraderie, collaboration and improve safety outcomes.

    Highlights Construction companies continue to implement worksite stretch and flex programs. Combining safety huddles with stretching programs provides additional safety benefits. Benefits include better communication, coordination, camaraderie, and team building.


    Zugriff

    Zugriff prüfen

    Verfügbarkeit in meiner Bibliothek prüfen

    Bestellung bei Subito €


    Exportieren, teilen und zitieren



    Titel :

    If you've seen one construction worksite stretch and flex program … you've seen one construction worksite stretch and flex program


    Beteiligte:

    Erschienen in:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    2015-08-19


    Format / Umfang :

    7 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch





    WORKSITE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, WORKSITE MANAGEMENT METHOD AND WORKSITE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM

    NORITAKE SHIGETOSHI / WATANABE SOICHIRO / YAMADA MASAKI et al. | Europäisches Patentamt | 2022

    Freier Zugriff

    WORKSITE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND WORKSITE MANAGEMENT METHOD

    MAEDA YUSUKE / OGAWA YUDAI / OSAGAWA KENTA et al. | Europäisches Patentamt | 2021

    Freier Zugriff

    Worksite management system and worksite management method

    MAEDA YUSUKE / OGAWA YUDAI / OSAGAWA KENTA et al. | Europäisches Patentamt | 2023

    Freier Zugriff

    WORKSITE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND WORKSITE MANAGEMENT METHOD

    HIRANAKA TAKASHI / OSAGAWA KENTA | Europäisches Patentamt | 2020

    Freier Zugriff