An integral part of SafeSpine, SafeStart is a an advanced musculoskeletal Warm Up for Work program designed to prepare the body and mind for the job tasks that lie ahead. Traditionally, SafeStart is performed at pre-shift meetings in heavy industries or during the day for office based environments. SafeStart introduces a sports science approach into the workplace aiming to reduce the risk of workers developing occupational overuse injuries from repetitive work and injuries caused from muscular imbalances and wear and tear of muscles overtime.

SafeStart supports the onsite SafeSpine intervention to create and sustain a proactive workplace health culture.

Features of the SafeStart program include:

• SafeStart Leaders are identified and trained onsite to conduct daily warm-ups and ensure program sustainability.

• Warm-ups include a combination of tailored and job specific range of motion exercises, job oriented stretches, balance, coordination and strengthening activities that stimulates the brain to enhance mind/body integration.

• The warm-ups are lead for 5-10 minutes at the beginning of a shift or periodically throughout the day.

• SafeStart significantly improves site morale and team cohesion through fun team building activities which improve productivity and motivation.