title: If you've seen one construction worksite stretch and flex program … you've seen one construction worksite stretch and flex program.
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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  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.
authors.affiliation: CPWR: The Center for Construction Research and Training, 8484 Georgia Ave. Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. Electronic address: lgoldenhar@cpwr.com.
authors.forename: Linda M
authors.initials: LM
authors.lastname: Goldenhar
authors.affiliation: CPWR: The Center for Construction Research and Training, 8484 Georgia Ave. Suite 1000, Silver Spring, MD 20910, USA. Electronic address: pstafford@cpwr.com.
authors.forename: Pete
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stafford
mesh_terms: D060389:Construction Industry; D006804:Ergonomics; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D052580:Muscle Stretching Exercises; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016272:Occupational Health; D009786:Occupational Health Services; D060051:Occupational Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012449:Safety; D017751:Safety Management; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D017132:Workplace
keywords: Construction safety and health; Daily safety huddles; Mixed-methods research; Work-related musculoskeletal disorders; Workplace stretching programs