The OPPBTP publishes a study on the practice of muscle heating on construction sites

This practice, which tends to develop, was the subject of a study carried out by the Organization

construction and public works prevention professional (OPPBTP). This study makes it possible to understand the reasons for which companies launch these initiatives and to analyze the benefits for the companions as well as the limits. Based on interviews conducted with companies as well as on the lessons of scientific publications, the OPPBTP presents its conclusions, raises points of vigilance and delivers its recommendations in order to make this practice more effective for all employees.

A positive initiative on several levels

The feedback from various companies as well as the reading of scientific articles allow the OPPBTP to expose the challenges, the transformations, the effects produced, but also the limits of this approach. The study shows that companies that practice heating on construction sites most often see beneficial repercussions on several levels. These companies do indeed report a reduction in “early-stage” accidents, a strengthening of team cohesion, by facilitating exchanges and promoting relations between the different hierarchical levels. The majority of employees also evoke a feeling of "general well-being" thanks to this moment of preparation which would allow them to strengthen their vigilance at the start of the day. Finally, the implementation of this approach also benefits the image and reputation of the company. On the other hand, their benefit has not been demonstrated with regard to other expectations often expressed by professionals, such as the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders or a positive influence on pathologies that appear in the medium term, after several years of exposure. .

The recommendations of the OPPBTP to improve this approach

The study highlights several points of improvement to carry out an effective muscle warm-up project, socially accepted by all employees and sustainable. There is a gap between the youngest workers, who are most often volunteers, and the older ones who show less enthusiasm. To encourage the participation of all employees in these sessions, whatever their generation and / or their ability to carry out all the exercises, the OPPBTP recommends paying particular attention to the conditions of implementation and prioritizing support for employees who have reservations about the usefulness of these exercises or who do not think they are able to practice them collectively. In addition, the Organization advises to involve the occupational health services and the occupational physician in these sessions in order to offer exercises adapted both to the capacities of the employees and to the specificities related to the construction trades. Finally, the OPPBTP recalls that to promote the achievement of significant results in terms of safety, the practice of warm-ups must be part of a more global approach to prevention, by being coordinated with other actions.

The full study is available free of charge at preventionbtp.fr