Pre-Task Stretch and Flex SOP

This template covers the daily pre-task stretch and flex routine before work begins. It captures who led the session, which exercises were performed, and when the routine was completed. It is meant to document a repeatable warm-up process, not a full job hazard analysis or toolbox talk. Use it as a simple controlled record for daily operations.

The crew lead, foreman, supervisor, or another designated competent person should run it. The same role should be responsible for confirming the crew is assembled, selecting the sequence, and completing the record. If your site uses rotating leads, define that assignment in the SOP so the handoff is clear. The key is that one accountable role owns the step and the documentation.

Use it at the start of each shift or before the task block it is tied to. Many crews run it daily, but some sites may use it before physically demanding work, after long breaks, or when conditions change. The frequency should match your site policy and the physical demands of the work. If the routine is skipped, the record should show the deviation and escalation path.

This template supports documented information practices and can sit inside a broader safety management system. It does not replace hazard assessment, PPE selection, permit-to-work controls, or task-specific training. If your organization uses OSHA-aligned procedures, ISO 9001 document control, or site safety rules, this SOP can help show consistent execution. It should be customized to match local requirements and internal approvals.

Common mistakes include recording the routine without actually performing it, leaving out the crew lead, and using vague entries like "stretches completed." Another issue is failing to note deviations, such as a missed exercise or an injured worker who should not participate. Teams also forget to make the record legible and complete before closing the log. This template helps prevent those gaps by making each step and verification explicit.

Yes. You can tailor the exercise list, timing, crew roles, and record fields for construction, warehousing, manufacturing, utilities, or field service. If your work has special movement risks, add site-specific stretches or exclusions approved by a competent person. You can also add language for shift start, weather conditions, or task type if those factors affect the routine.

An informal stretch may happen, but it often leaves no reliable record of who led it, what was done, or whether the crew was actually assembled. This SOP turns that routine into a repeatable step with clear accountability and verification. That matters when you need consistency across shifts, supervisors, or sites. It also makes it easier to audit and improve the routine over time.

Yes. It can be linked to toolbox talks, daily pre-task plans, shift handover logs, incident prevention records, or mobile forms. Some teams also connect it to attendance tracking or electronic sign-off workflows. If you integrate it, keep the stretch record separate from hazard permits so the documentation stays clear. The goal is to make the routine easy to complete without burying it in unrelated fields.