One-of-a-Kind Program Helps Warehouse Workers Avoid Injury

TIRR Rehabilitation Centers’ Industrial Rehabilitation Program recently signed a contract with Walgreens to treat Walgreens employees at their workplace.

John Turner, the industrial rehabilitation program’s director, said the objectives of this on-site medical management program at the Walgreens distribution center in Northwest Houston include monitoring employees who have early symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders, preventing symptoms from progressing into injuries through injury-prevention education, and developing return-to-work programs for injured workers.

“Injuries in the workplace are common occurrences, particularly in labor-intensive environments like warehouse distribution centers,” said Turner. “By providing these services on site, we are able to screen employees with early symptoms and hope to catch them before they become an ‘injury.’ We spend much of our time working with employees on body mechanics and safe work habits as they work. Being on site also allows us to work closely with the supervisors and health and safety team.”

Kate Hughes, a physical therapist and industrial rehabilitation manager at TIRR Rehabilitation Centers-Greenway is heading up Walgreens program.

The Walgreens program was initiated with “Stretch & Flex” classes for all 500 employees. These classes taught employees the importance of warming up before completing their strenuous work activities. They were also taught a five-minute warm-up program that they complete at the beginning of the work shift and again following the lunch break.

“Walgreens, like many other companies, found that their injuries tend to peak at the beginning of the shift and again following the lunch break,” Turner said. “This is due to the body not being ‘physically ready’ for strenuous activities. Using examples of athletes warming up prior to practice or a game helps the employees understand the importance of the program.”

The Walgreen’s program is TIRR’s second on-site clinic. The first is at Huntsman Corp., a petro-chemical company with three plants in the Port Arthur area.

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