To lower the potential for soft tissue injury, KINNECT has developed ‘SmartStretch’, an onsite pre-start warm up program for employees.
In today’s demanding work environments, reducing the risk of soft tissue injuries is crucial for employee safety and productivity. KINNECT has developed SmartStretch, an innovative pre-start warm-up program specifically designed to help employees prepare for the physical challenges of their jobs. By incorporating targeted stretches and exercises tailored to specific job demands, SmartStretch effectively reduces the potential for workplace injuries, particularly soft tissue strains and sprains.
What is SmartStretch?
SmartStretch is a comprehensive onsite warm-up program aimed at lowering the risk of soft tissue injuries by engaging employees in job-specific stretching routines before their workday begins. This program is particularly effective for industries that involve repetitive physical tasks, manual handling, or prolonged static postures. SmartStretch helps prevent work-related discomfort by addressing the common physical strains experienced on the job, promoting both short- and long-term health benefits for employees.
Why Choose SmartStretch?
Soft tissue injuries, such as muscle strains, sprains, and tendonitis, are some of the most common workplace injuries. These injuries often result from poor posture, repetitive movements, and inadequate warm-up routines. SmartStretch combats these issues by delivering a structured, evidence-based warm-up program that helps employees physically prepare for the day’s tasks.
Key benefits of SmartStretch include:
- Reduced Risk of Soft Tissue Injuries: Job-specific stretching reduces the likelihood of strains, sprains, and muscle fatigue.
- Improved Flexibility and Strength: Regular stretching promotes muscle flexibility and strength, which contributes to overall physical health.
- Enhanced Workplace Safety: By improving employee readiness, SmartStretch contributes to a safer, healthier work environment.
- Boosted Morale and Productivity: Employees who feel physically prepared are more confident, comfortable, and productive throughout the day.
How Does SmartStretch Work?
Delivered onsite in small groups of 10-20 employees, SmartStretch focuses on practical, engaging, and sustainable methods to promote physical health and injury prevention. The program is designed with simplicity and effectiveness in mind, making it easy for any workforce to integrate into their daily routine.
Program Components:
- Tailored Stretches and Exercises: The exercises included in SmartStretch are tailored to the specific job demands of your workplace, ensuring that each stretch targets the right muscle groups and joints. Whether your employees are lifting, bending, or sitting for extended periods, SmartStretch addresses these unique physical challenges.
- Small Theory Component: Employees are introduced to the principles behind the stretches and exercises, learning how and why these movements help reduce the risk of injury.
- Practical Sessions: The bulk of the program is hands-on, with a focus on practising stretches and exercises that employees can incorporate into their daily routine to stay injury-free.
Stretch Champions for Program Sustainability
One of the standout features of SmartStretch is the development of Stretch Champions within your workforce. These employees receive additional training to lead the daily stretching routines. By empowering these individuals, KINNECT ensures that the program can be sustained long-term, even after our initial sessions. Stretch Champions foster a culture of injury prevention and are pivotal in maintaining the ongoing success of SmartStretch.
Awareness Materials and Long-Term Support
At KINNECT, we understand that changing behaviours requires ongoing support and reinforcement. That’s why we provide a suite of awareness materials designed to remind employees of the importance of stretching and injury prevention. These materials not only reinforce the daily SmartStretch routine but also complement other health and safety initiatives, such as manual handling workshops. By consistently promoting safe practices, our awareness materials help encourage positive behaviour changes, ensuring your workforce remains committed to injury prevention.
Why SmartStretch is Essential for Your Workplace
Workplace injuries not only result in personal discomfort for employees but can also lead to significant downtime, costly workers’ compensation claims, and decreased productivity. By implementing SmartStretch, your organisation can proactively reduce the risk of soft tissue injuries, enhance employee well-being, and create a safer work environment.
Industries that benefit from SmartStretch include:
- Construction and Trades: Workers frequently engage in heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and awkward postures, increasing the risk of injury.
- Warehousing and Logistics: Jobs involving manual handling, lifting, and moving heavy objects place workers at risk for soft tissue injuries.
- Manufacturing: Repetitive tasks and long periods of standing or sitting make manufacturing employees susceptible to muscle strains.
- Office Environments: Even employees in desk-based roles benefit from SmartStretch, as it helps alleviate discomfort from prolonged sitting or poor ergonomics.
Get Started with SmartStretch
Investing in SmartStretch is a proactive step towards reducing workplace injuries, boosting employee morale, and increasing overall productivity. By equipping your team with the right tools and knowledge, you can prevent soft tissue injuries and promote a culture of health and safety.
Contact KINNECT today to learn more about how SmartStretch can be tailored to your organisation’s specific needs. Let us help you create a safer, healthier workplace for your employees.
FAQ
Does KINNECT run Trainer the Train sessions?
To ensure the stretching program’s durability and sustainability, individuals can be selected to become Stretch Champions/Stretch Leaders. These individuals will receive a 1 hour separate training session. This includes comprehensive one on one training on the stretches and exercises and the safe delivery of these. These Stretch Leaders are also educated on common technique faults made by participants and how such faults can be addressed.
Is there risk of an injury occurring?
KINNECT’s Stretching Programs incorporate static and dynamic stretches and/or exercises that are of low impact and/or force. These stretches have been chosen to ensure the safety of participants and carry a low risk of injury.
All exercises and stretches prescribed are demonstrated at the time of training. Participants with incorrect technique are educated on the correct form to further eliminate any associated risk.
What resources does KINNECT supply to support the program?
KINNECT have developed a range of resources to help with the success of workplace stretching and warm up programs. Such resources include:
- Stretching Posters
- Stretching Booklets
- Stretching Videos
Pricing
Warm Up & Stretching Training Workshop
$395.00 + GST
Stretch Leader Training Workshop
$895.00 + GST
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