10/15/2019 from the desk of Raymond Hendry HSE/HR Manager
What: Back to the Basics 2
Where: ALL projects
Continuing on our education campaign, we will next talk about the Gulf South Services required stretching program. Why do you have to participate? GSSI performed research many years ago on what were the most common industry injuries and also, what were the most common injuries at Gulf South. Muscle strains were in the top injuries suffered at Gulf South and in our industry. So Gulf South instituted a mandatory stretching program. In two years Gulf South cut muscle strains by 75%. Over the next 9 years, muscle strains have been one of the lowest recurring injury types. Most of those muscle strain events, the employee admitted that they did not perform the required stretches.
Here is a cut out from one article published by the Mayo Clinic:
Flexibility: Stretch your way to better health
Believe it or not, stretching is a critical part of any exercise program. Keep your body healthy with these pointers for a good stretch.
You might be thinking that it’s hard to carve out time in your schedule for exercise, let alone stretching. But most cardio and strength-training programs cause your muscles to tighten. That’s why it’s important to stretch regularly to keep your body functioning well.
Regular stretching:
- Increases flexibility, which makes daily tasks easier
- Improves range of motion of your joints, which helps keep you mobile
- Improves circulation
- Promotes better posture
- Helps relieve stress by relaxing tense muscles
- Helps prevent injury, especially if your muscles or joints are tight
“Silence is permission”! – Speak up to protect yourself and others.