Did you know that pre-shift stretching, and warm-up exercises reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries by reducing fatigue, improving muscular balance and posture, and improving muscle coordination?

Before work you may want to encourage your employees to try some neck and shoulder rolls, neck side bends, chest opener, rounded fold, flat back fold and side bends.

Remember these pointers:

• Warm up first, muscles are like taffy, they stretch more easily when warm.
• Stretch only to the point of mild tension, never to the point of pain.
• Pay attention to your posture.
• Breathe and practice often.

Let’s all stretch for safety and avoid those unnecessary musculoskeletal injuries and keep claim costs down!

Questions regarding LeadingAge Washington’s Group Retro program, contact:

• Scott DeHem, Vice President of Claims, Comprehensive Risk Management/Risk Finance, scott@riskfinance.net
• Jodi Pena, LeadingAge WA Staff,  JPena@LeadingAgeWA.org