Reduction Of Work Related Injury Due To Exercise

Firefighters, coal miners, steel workers and highway patrolmen must also undergo pre-employment fitness tests. While the injury risk potential for these workers is obvious, every profession has its own work-related injuries. Musculoskeletal disorders account for 31 percent of employee absenteeism, says "Risk Management" magazine, citing U.S. Department of Labor statistics. Specialized exercise programs may reduce these work-related injuries.

Corporate Wellness

Much of the information regarding the relationship between exercise and work-related injuries is anecdotal, making it difficult to track. Managers of workplace wellness programs keep careful records regarding the cost effectiveness of their programs, and therefore provide better insight. A January 2010 article published in "Health Affairs" details the costs and savings associated with corporate fitness programs. Lead author Katherine Baicker reports that companies reduced medical costs by about $3.27 for every dollar spent on corporate fitness, and that absenteeism costs are reduced by about $2.73 for every dollar spent.

Manufacturing Injuries

Stretching programs may reduce work-related injuries,at manufacturing plants, says the American Society of Safety Engineers. The authors of the society's winter 2010 research journal articles cited a 60-employee study that involved a series of sessions performed over a two-month period. The employees performed five to eight minute stretching sessions for the neck, back, shoulders, hips and legs. They performed these stretches five times daily. During the two-month period, employees reported increased flexibility and improved self perception. None of the participants experienced any work-related injuries during the two-month time frame.

Firefighters

The American Society of Safety Engineers also reported on stretching studies regarding firefighters. Lead author J.C. Hilyer studied 469 municipal firefighters. Half of the participants performed a daily, 30-minute stretching sessions. The other half did not. The stretching group, over the course of two years sustained 48 work-related injuries, whereas the non-stretching group sustained 52 injuries. While these statistics appear insignificant, the cost of medical treatment for the stretching group was $85,371. In contrast, the non-stretching group's injuries cost $235,131.

Lower Back Injuries

Lower back injuries are common among numerous professions. The Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety advises that deep core and spinal stabilization exercises may prevent these injuries. The bird-dog exercise is an example. Kneel on all fours, drawing your belly toward your spine. Relax your shoulders by sliding them away from your ears. Inhale to prepare for the exercise. Exhale, and simultaneously lift and extend your right leg and left arm. Return to the starting position, and repeat on the other side.