Stretching may reduce risk of repetitive stress injuries

Schools are often stretching time and funds--now do both by stretching your employees.

That’s right. Stretch breaks during the workday can help reduce the risk for repetitive stress injuries in many types of school employees. Preventing these injuries helps control workers’ compensation costs and lost productivity.

Try these easy and cost-efficent tips:

• Use ergonomically correct tools.
• Switch job tasks throughout the day.
• Take stretching breaks.

The benefits of stretching include: increased flexibility, decreased muscle tension, lower stress levels and less chance of injury.

Stretching techniques
Forward these to your faculty, custodial, food service and grounds crews:

• Begin by relaxing your muscles.
• Stretch at your own pace. Do each stretch slowly with no bouncing.
• Stretch to the point of comfortable tension, then hold it.
• If a stretch causes pain in joint areas, stop and make sure your technique is correct.

Reminders help.
Order stretching posters from SFM's online "Resource catalog" to hang in the kitchen, computer lab or maintenance break room. They will subtly remind employees to stretch and rest their muscles.