At the National Safety Council's 93rd Congress & Expo, Drennan presented during a technical session called "Preventing Injuries in an Aging Workforce."

Drennan says the lack of flexibility and strength causes many cumulative trauma disorders that affect the back, knees, arms and shoulders, and hands and wrists. He says flexibility and strength programs can reduce the risk factors for injuries.

Drennan says the workplace is a great place for a physical-conditioning program because employees spend a good portion of their lives at work, the workplace offers routine and structure, and the program, in the right circumstances, can contribute to sense of belonging and a feeling of purpose and accomplishment.

In the program Drennan promotes, components include daily stretching and strength exercises, opportunities to report near misses, unsafe acts, and unsafe conditions, and daily safety training.

In order for these programs to succeed, supervisors must be held accountable, according to Drennan. He contends supervisors are in the best position to encourage employees to participate in fitness programs, but the employer must offer supervisors training in leadership skills, including positive recognition, supervisor as trainer, team building, giving constructive feedback, obtaining suggestions, and goal setting.

He says the program should be team-based in order for it to be most effective. He says teams create ownership and accountability, develop a trusting environment, allow goal setting, achieve more, and team members coach and drive the improvement process. Drennan says teams should be small--about six to 12 workers.

Read more at Safety.BLR.com's 2005 NSC Congress & Expo Resources Center.