Walbridge Launches Stretch-and-Flex Program

  • June 30, 2016

DETROIT, Mich. – Citing a desire to reduce worker sprains, strains and injuries, and improve the physical mobility of workers at its construction sites, Walbridge is instituting a new stretch-and-flex exercise program.

Beginning July 1, personnel at select Walbridge construction sites will be trained to lead groups of tradespeople in exercises that stretch muscles and flex joints prior to starting work.

“Studies show there’s a significant increase in mobility and endurance among construction workers when they participate in morning warm-up exercises,” Mark LaClair, Assistant Vice President of Health & Safety at Walbridge, said. “We’ve developed a short but impactful program that, at a minimum, maintains joint and muscle flexibility for workers that are commonly in stressful working positions.”

Participants are shown how to slowly and smoothly carry out 10 individual exercises intended to stretch and increase the range of motion for hips, neck, shoulders, back, hands and legs. These warm-up and stretching exercises take from 30- to 60-seconds each to complete. The entire round of exercises can be completed in under 10 minutes.

Walbridge operates more than 90 construction sites in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. The company was founded in Detroit in 1916 and provides general contracting and construction management services to clients in these industries, automotive, chemical, education, government, industrial process, manufacturing, mission critical, and water/waste-water.