Musculoskeletal disorders (“sprains & strains”) have the highest incidence and greatest cost of all injuries seen in the workplace.
The best injury to treat is the one that never happened.
Comprehensive approach to preventing MSDs is recommended - - including both engineering solutions (ergonomics) and administrative solutions (workplace stretching).
2016 BLS: MSD cases account for 1/3 of all working injury & illness cases (OSHA 2016)
Direct costs of MSDs are over $20 billion a year. Total costs (direct & indirect) are estimated to be between $45-54 billion a year. (OSHA)
According to OSHA’s Safety Pay’s program, the direct and indirect costs of one sprain-related injury total $70,000. A company with a 3% profit margin would have to sell an additional $1.2 Million in product to cover the cost of a single sprain-type injury. (source: https://www.osha.gov/dcsp/smallbusiness/safetypays/estimator.html).
The CDC estimates that by 2020, 25% of all workers will be 55 or older. Given the fact that MSD’s generally take time to develop, it’s very likely we’ll be seeing an increase in MSDs in the coming years.
Worker Benefits:
Reduced muscular FATIGUE: muscular fatigue is essentially due to diminished blood flow. Stretching and movement promotes blood flow and oxygenation to the tissues, supplies nutrients to the muscles and cartilage, and warms the body up for work.
Promotes muscle RECOVERY: increased blood flow brings nutrients to the muscle tissue that is needed for repair and healing.
Stretching minimizes/reduces muscle soreness, discomfort and pain. It’s like the benefit of “feeling better” after performing brief stretching following a long car ride.
Stretching improves posture and can correct postural imbalances that lead to injury or movement dysfunction
Stretching improves muscle performance by increasing flexibility and range of motion
Stretching and movement reduces stress by promoting blood flow, relaxing muscles, and releases mood-enhancing endorphins.
Psychological benefits of improved moral, team-bonding, and perception of caring and support to employees from management.
Employer Results:
Employer clients have reported experiencing a 30% – 70% reduction in MSDs within one year of fully implementation of SIO! (along with incorporating other strategies like ergonomics and early intervention).
Engagement: Clients report a significant level of employee engagement and increase awareness of injury prevention of soft-tissue discomfort/pain/injuries as a result of participating in daily stretching sessions.
Worker Satisfaction: Employers report that their employees are open to the SIO! process because of the unique structure, the resources, and level of training associated with the SIO! program. Workers consistently report a high level of satisfaction in the SIO! program and the personal benefits they receive.
Additional Important Considerations:
Stretching programs should be part of a more comprehensive program, including ergonomics, training, early intervention, and post-offer screening.
Stretching is a wellness-oriented solution and administrative control to prevent MSDs.
There MUST be a strong organizational structure for long-term success.
The stretches should include a combination of both static and dynamic movements, along with modified options for workers who may be limited or experience pain.
Leadership buy-in and support are critical (active and visible support).
It’s important that workers can modify the stretch/movement if they experience pain.
Having trained stretch coaches reduces the chance of injury and increases sustainability.
