b'WARM UP TO ASAFER WORKPLACEThere are more than 600 skeletal muscles in our bodiesto help us bend, lift, squat, and pivot. We also use many of those muscles to complete a wide variety of tasks in the workplace. Whether were bending down to place cones on the road, moving boxes, sitting at a desk, maintaining machinery, or picking up a huge trash bin, we rely on healthy muscles to get the job done.When our muscles fail us, injuries can occur. According to the Bureau of Labor, 80% of workplace injuries involve muscles in the lower back, and many of those injuries are associated with manual tasks. The risk for pulled muscles, twisted ankles, and sprains increases in jobs that require employees to complete hours of repetitive twisting and lifting throughout their shifts. Even standing for hours presents its own set of difficulties. While professional athletes know to start workouts with a series of stretches, employees arent always so careful. Maintaining a healthy workforce begins in the first few minutes of a shift. When getting ready to start the day, its essential to make sure employees take the time to prepare for physical challenges, big or small. Thats why more and more companies are encouraging the institution of exercise warm-ups as part of their culture.WHY IS PREVENTIVE CARE SO IMPORTANT? Its smart to do everything you can to protect employees from the kind of injuries that can result in lost time, or even force them into another job. Helping your team members warm up for work is a relatively simple but an effective way to reduce injuries on the job. Stretches and preventative care should be a part of your safety culture. Stretching and warming up are often underestimated, but these activities have many benefits. They reduce the risk of injury and accidents by improving balance, enhancing muscle coordination, and even reducing fatigue. Warm-ups release fluids that reduce joint degeneration over time. Stretches can also improve the effectiveness of the bodys nervous systemresulting in a more alert workforce with quicker reflexes.Republic Services employees can spend a long amount of time in a vehicle and then immediately have to engage in lifting heavy items. Good posture can set their bodies up for correct movements on the job. FOUR'