Taking Care of Your Shoulders Feat. Dr. Grennan

Why Construction Leaders Need to Focus on Team Health and Preventive Care

In the world of construction, the physical demands on workers are immense. From heavy lifting and repetitive movements to constant exposure to the elements, the toll it takes on the body is undeniable. As leaders in construction, it’s our responsibility to not only ensure the project is progressing but also to make sure the people executing the work are physically prepared for the challenges ahead. This is where the concept of respecting the body and ensuring health and wellness through lean culture practices can make a world of difference.

One of the most pivotal realizations I’ve had in my career is that construction workers, including superintendents, foremen, and the entire project team, often overlook one crucial factor: their health. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of running a project and forget to take care of the one asset that drives everything the human body.

The Pain Construction Workers Face Every Day

Every day on a construction site, workers are subjected to strains, sprains, and repetitive motions that eventually lead to chronic pain or injuries. As a field leader, I’ve seen it firsthand. The problem isn’t just the hard work it’s the lack of preparation and recovery. If you’re a superintendent, you might feel like your team isn’t fully engaged or that certain members are just putting in their hours without any passion. What’s happening isn’t apathy it’s burnout. And that can be fixed.

I remember being on a large construction project, facing tight deadlines, and dealing with what felt like endless problems. We were pushing hard to get the work done, but I noticed that the team’s energy was waning. The trades were performing well enough, but I realized something was missing—nobody was taking care of themselves. I knew we were doing a great job on the project, but we weren’t paying attention to the most important asset: our people.

You see, when workers feel discomfort in their bodies, it affects their performance. Shoulder issues, back pain, repetitive stress, and even mental fatigue from the physical strain of their work begin to pile up. And while the construction industry is often seen as tough, the truth is that physical well-being is often ignored until it’s too late.

The Power of Lean Culture in Body Care

Lean culture in construction isn’t just about schedules and process improvement. It’s about respecting people, stabilizing their work environment, and continuously improving their physical and mental well-being. The concept of “fixing what bugs us” is a core principle that extends beyond operational inefficiencies it applies directly to how we treat our workers’ health.

When I say “fix what bugs us,” I’m referring to identifying the issues that are holding people back physically, whether it’s poor posture, improper lifting techniques, or simply not recognizing the signs of physical strain. The best part? Addressing these issues early can prevent long-term injury and, ultimately, save your project and team from costly setbacks.

A Personal Experience: Recognizing and Fixing Shoulder Pain

Let me take you back to a personal story. A few years ago, I began to experience shoulder pain. At first, it was just a slight discomfort, something I thought would go away with rest. But it didn’t. Over time, it started to affect my ability to perform on the job, making even simple tasks difficult. My shoulders were sore from years of improper posture standing at my desk, lifting materials, and carrying heavy loads the wrong way.

I finally realized I was dealing with “cell phonitis,” a condition that many of us experience today hunching over our phones and computers, causing strain on our shoulders and necks. The pain wasn’t coming from the task I was performing at the moment, but from years of neglecting my body’s needs.

This is a critical lesson that can apply to your team. Just like me, they are likely pushing through discomfort, not realizing that they are slowly setting themselves up for chronic injuries. Whether it’s repetitive lifting, holding materials in awkward positions, or even long hours of working with improper posture these seemingly small things add up over time.

The Importance of Preventive Care and Stretching

The solution lies in preventive care. While some construction companies have begun to integrate ergonomic desk setups or stand-up desks, many workers are still battling long days of lifting, bending, and straining without proper preparation or recovery strategies. This is where programs like BioHealth Management come into play.

Here’s why this matters: Imagine if your workers could prepare their bodies for the workday and recover after it. What if you could integrate daily stretching and preventative care routines into your team’s schedule? How would that affect their overall productivity, safety, and well-being?

Here’s an easy approach to get started:

• Stretching: Encourage your team to stretch before starting their shift. This could be as simple as stretching the shoulders, hamstrings, and back to alleviate the tension that comes from standing or sitting for long periods.
• Recovery: After a long day, recovery is key. Stretching again at the end of the day, along with using products like absorbent mats for standing or ergonomic accessories, can reduce muscle strain and stiffness.

But it doesn’t stop there. If your workers experience physical strain or injury, a good program should not just focus on the stretch but also on strengthening the opposite muscle groups to keep the body balanced and functioning at its peak.

Fixing What Bugs Us: Why This Should Be Part of Every Job Site Culture

Respect for people is a cornerstone of lean culture, and this should extend to your team’s health. As a leader, it’s crucial that you foster a culture that values both productivity and well-being. This means:

• Encouraging and supporting workers to take care of their bodies, not just their tasks.
• Implementing systems that allow for rest and recovery without sacrificing productivity.
• Offering accessible solutions for stretching, ergonomic equipment, and body care on-site.
• Building a culture that promotes health and well-being as a core component of job satisfaction and performance.

These practices not only keep your workers physically healthy but also foster a culture of care, engagement, and productivity. When your team feels supported in their well-being, they are more likely to perform at their best, with fewer injuries, higher job satisfaction, and better results for the project.

Building Healthier, More Productive Work Sites

It’s time for a shift in how we think about our teams in construction. Instead of just focusing on project schedules and costs, we need to focus on our workers as the most important asset. When they are physically healthy, they perform better. It’s that simple. So let’s take the time to fix what bugs us whether that’s the aches and pains from a day of hard work or the breakdown of team health due to poor support systems.

As construction leaders, we have the power to create healthier, safer environments that respect our people’s physical needs. With simple practices like stretching, recovery, and the right ergonomic tools, we can ensure that our teams stay at their best, day in and day out. If your project needs superintendent coaching, project support, or leadership development, Elevate Construction can help your field teams stabilize, schedule, and flow.

FAQ:

1. What are some simple stretching exercises for construction workers?
   Basic shoulder stretches, back stretches, and hamstring stretches are a great way to relieve tension before and after a shift. Adding shoulder blade activation exercises and simple stretches with a foam roller can also help maintain flexibility and reduce strain.
2. How can I prevent injury on my construction site?
   Investing in preventative care programs, providing ergonomic equipment, and encouraging daily stretching routines can significantly reduce the risk of injury. Training your team on the importance of these practices is essential for long-term success.
3. How can we create a culture of health on construction sites?
   By integrating health and well-being into daily practices, offering education on physical care, and ensuring recovery strategies are in place, you can create a culture that respects the well-being of everyone on-site. Make health a core value of your company culture.
4. Why is team health important in construction?
   Healthy teams perform better. When workers feel physically supported, they are more productive, less likely to suffer from injuries, and have a higher job satisfaction rate, leading to better overall project outcomes.
5. How does Elevate Construction help with team health and productivity?
   Through coaching, leadership development, and practical on-site support, Elevate Construction helps teams implement systems that promote health, well-being, and lean practices, improving overall project success.