success of on site stretch program in Public Works

1. Portland Public Works
Stretching Program

2. The Problem : Needs Assessment
 Majority of these injuries
were categorized as
“sprains and strains”

 High injury rates experienced by the Solid
Waste Division at DPW
 Large percentage of
these injuries were
occurring early in the
work day

3. The Solution
Study conducted by the
Maine Municipal
Association (MMA)
recommended the
Department institute a
stretching program.
(Data Collected by MMA )
MMA Recommendation

4. Medical Provider’s Role:
Develop and Conduct the Intervention
 Created a customized
program for the Department
 Conducted “range of motion
assessments” for all employees
 Trained program facilitators
 Helped educate employees
on the value of stretching
 Revisited each section within the
Department to conduct follow-up
assessments

5. Obstacles to Overcome

Employee resistance
 Shift schedules
 Creating a work
place
culture

6. The Results
Teambuilding
exercise
Range of motion has
improved for 99% of
employees
Reduced the number
and severity of strain
and sprain injuries
Stretching has
become a part of the
work day routine

7. Fit For Work Program Overview
 Warm-up exercises
 Stretching exercises
 All major muscle groups worked
 Performed in standing position
 Ten minutes to complete
 Flexibility tests
 Injured workers can participate
 Progression: Isometrics training
 “Stick with it”

8. The Fit For Work Program
Success depends
upon:
Dedicated volunteers to be team leaders
Management demonstrate their endorsement
with regular participation and support
Regular follow through
Customizing to meet departmental needs.

9. Contact Information
Cressey Mollison
Safety Coordinator, City of Portland
55 Portland Street
Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 874-8801
cm@ci.portland.me.us
Denise Dumont-Bernier, PT
Physical Therapist
Developed the FIT FOR WORK Program
For area employers
207-242-3924

10. Contact Information
Cressey Mollison
Safety Coordinator, City of Portland
55 Portland Street
Portland, Maine 04101
(207) 874-8801
cm@ci.portland.me.us
Denise Dumont-Bernier, PT
Physical Therapist
Developed the FIT FOR WORK Program
For area employers
207-242-3924