Workers should be encouraged to take a few
minutes every hour, or after completing a
strenuous task, to relieve their muscle stress
or tension.
Explain that there are many benefits to doing
these stretches which include:
Protecting muscles, joints, and tendons
from injury
Enhanced physical fitness
Increased body awareness
Mental and physical relaxation
Decreased muscle tightness
Increased range of motion
Make sure you stress the following key points.
key points:
Hold each stretch for a minimum of 15
seconds
You will feel a slight pull in your muscle,
but never any pain
Stop if you feel any pain
Do not overstretch
Make sure you have enough room to safely
do each stretch
Try to stretch often during the day
at HoMe Flexibility StretCHeS
Tri-fold brochure – 8.5" X 11"
This part of the program is to
be printed and distributed to
employees as a take home
brochure.
Explain that these stretches
compliment the other parts
of the program by helping
employees increase their
flexibility and take
advantage of the health
benefits of flexible muscles.
Explain that when we do physical work,
our muscles become tight and can even
become shortened. Shortened muscles result
in difficulty moving and doing everyday
activities. To avoid shortening of the muscles,
workers who do physical jobs should work at
maintaining flexibility in their muscles. This can
be done by spending a few minutes stretching
each day.
Suggest that these stretches can be done while
watching television, or with their children.
Encourage your employees to involve their
families in stretching with them and make it fun.
For employees who engage in sports or
physical activities outside of the workplace,
remind them of the importance of stretching
after physical activities.
The stretches contained in this program can be
done after a jog, a workout at the gym, playing
hockey, raking the leaves, or any time they have
a few minutes. Stretching is most beneficial
when it is done daily.
key points:
Never overstretch – you should feel a slight
pull, but never any pain
Stop if you feel dizzy, uncomfortable, or
experience any pain
Take deep slow breaths and try to extend
your stretch on the exhale
Wear comfortable clothes that don't restrict
your movement
Work slowly on your flexibility – it takes
time
Everyone can increase their flexibility if they
work at it
Have fun and encourage your whole family
to stretch with you
Stretching can be done while watching
television
Hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds to allow
your muscles to relax
3
310 003 35 IGDO © 2014, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca
