Why does stretching before work matter on construction jobsites?

Construction work is physically demanding. Crews spend their day lifting, climbing, reaching and standing for long periods, which puts constant stress on the body. Stretching before work warms up muscles, supports flexibility and helps prevent strains, sprains and other injuries that are often avoidable with proper preparation.

What is the Stretch + Flex program at C.D. Smith Construction?

The Stretch + Flex program is a daily 10 minute warm up routine that starts every C.D. Smith workday. Crews complete a series of simple stretches together on the jobsite to prepare physically and mentally for the work ahead. Every team member participates, making stretching part of the safety culture rather than an optional extra.

How long does the Stretch + Flex routine take?

The Stretch + Flex routine is designed to take about 10 minutes at the start of each shift. It is a small investment of time that supports healthier, more focused and injury free crews throughout the workday.

Which stretches are included in the Stretch + Flex warm up?

The Stretch + Flex warm up includes nine simple movements: wrist stretch, neck and shoulder stretch, shoulder stretch, neck flexion stretch, triceps stretch, lumbar stretch, forward bend stretch, lunge adductor stretch and quadriceps stretch. Each stretch is held for about 30 seconds with repeats for each side or arm as needed.

How does daily stretching support construction safety?

Daily stretching helps crews ease into physical work instead of jumping in cold. It increases range of motion, improves balance and stability and prepares muscles and joints for lifting and climbing. It also signals that safety comes first, which supports a stronger jobsite safety culture over time.

TL;DR Summary

Construction safety starts before the first task. Stretching before work helps prevent strains and sprains, supports flexibility and mentally prepares crews for the day. C.D. Smith Construction’s Stretch + Flex program provides a structured 10-minute routine at the start of every jobsite shift to reduce preventable injuries and keep workers ready for the tasks ahead.

Construction crew performing shoulder stretches during a morning Stretch and Flex warm-up inside a jobsite trailer. Workers in high-visibility shirts prepare for the workday as part of C.D. Smith Construction’s safety routine.

Stretching Before Work Matters

Athletes stretch before a game. Musicians warm up before a concert. Pilots follow a checklist before takeoff. So it makes sense that before starting a physically demanding job, construction workers should take a few minutes to stretch and flex, warming up their muscles and preparing their bodies for the day ahead.

In the construction, manufacturing and trades industries, work is physical. Whether lifting, climbing, reaching or standing for long periods, the body is under constant stress. Without proper preparation, this can lead to strains, sprains and other preventable injuries.

"Prevention is key when it comes to safety. This simple step of daily calisthenics is one way to keep the crew in the best shape for the job."

Joe Pausha, Director of Safety, C.D. Smith Construction

A Daily Routine That Makes a Difference

At C.D. Smith, a 10-minute Stretch + Flex routine starts every workday. The goal is straightforward: prepare teams physically and mentally for the tasks ahead.

Each session is led on the jobsite and participation is required. It's a small investment of time that pays off in healthier, more focused and injury-free crews.

Inside the Stretch + Flex Program

Warm up your muscles before engaging in physical work. A good stretching program supports flexibility, improves range of motion and reduces the likelihood of injury. The sequence below outlines the Stretch + Flex routine used on C.D. Smith jobsites.

Top section of the Stretch and Flex Program poster featuring three stretches—wrist stretch, neck and shoulder stretch and shoulder stretch—with illustrated workers demonstrating proper technique.

Wrist Stretch

Bend wrist and keep elbow straight. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat each arm.

Neck + Shoulder Stretch

Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat two times.

Shoulder Stretch

Hold for 30 seconds on each side.

Middle section of the Stretch and Flex Program poster showing neck flexion, triceps and lumbar stretches demonstrated by construction workers in safety gear.

Neck Flexion Stretch

Slowly pull forward and down. Hold for 30 seconds.

Triceps Stretch

Keep chin off chest. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat each arm.

Lumbar Stretch

Slowly rotate to one side. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat each side.

Lower section of the Stretch and Flex Program poster showing forward bend, lunge adductor and quadriceps stretches with accompanying instructions.

Forward Bend Stretch

With knees slightly bent, bend forward with arms hanging. Hold for 30 seconds.

Lunge Adductor Stretch

Feet wider than shoulders. Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat each side.

Quadriceps Stretch

Hold for 30 seconds. Repeat each side.

Learn more at cdsmith.com/safety.

Why Stretching Works on Jobsites

A structured warm-up offers clear benefits for crews working in fast-paced, physically demanding environments. Daily stretching:

Reduces strains and sprains
Wakes up the body before lifting or climbing
Improves balance and stability
Supports long-term mobility
Helps crews shift into a focused, ready-to-work mindset

Key Takeaways

Construction work puts daily stress on the body.
Stretching before work helps reduce preventable injuries.
The Stretch + Flex program prepares crews physically and mentally.
A 10-minute warm-up supports healthier, more focused teams.
Consistent daily routines strengthen overall jobsite safety culture.

Beneath the Hard Hat

Construction Safety and Stretching on Jobsites: Stretch + Flex Program

TL;DR Summary

Stretching Before Work Matters

A Daily Routine That Makes a Difference