Luke, It's Time to Stretch

It might seem strange using Darth Vader to engage employees in well-being and reduce ergonomic injuries on the job. But that’s what leading global medical technology company Boston Scientific, partnered with HealthFitness, does. With medical device specialists working in the Boston Scientific Maple Grove, Minnesota facility regularly grasping small parts and tools, with long periods of standing and sitting, the company sought a customized ergonomic solution. HealthFitness ergonomic experts examined 14 production lines and implemented individual workstation ergonomic stretching and early intervention programs. One creative tactic is playing the Imperial March (Vader’s theme song) to signal to employees that it’s time for a stretch break. In this session, Dan Dehmer, Senior Production Supervisor, Boston Scientific, and Andrea Zack, Senior Director, Client Strategy & Growth, HealthFitness,, will demonstrate how this innovative injury prevention and treatment program helped employees address issues before they became more serious medical concerns. After completing this session, participants will be able to: (1) Identify potential ergonomic pain points, (2) Develop an injury prevention and treatment program that leverages existing resources, and (3) Engage employees in the program so they in turn feel vested in its, and their success.