Make safety a key concern when planning exercise in your workplace. An accident or injury will not “sell” the program and may end up costing the employer. This section will help you take the necessary steps to avoid an accident or injury.
Points to Consider
Using Certified Experts
Hire professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run workplace brown bagger sessions. It’s also a good idea to ask the instructor for references.
When you hire instructors, make sure that your insurance protects both the instructor and your organization.
Risk Management
Whether we like it or not, liability is an issue these days.
Risk management plans don’t have to be complicated or expensive. for example, part of the plan might require that employees complete fitness appraisals and sign statements accepting the possible risks involved in exercise.
It compensates to be prepared. Safety and emergency policies and procedures reduce the risk of loss both to individuals and to your organization.
Ask employees to sign a waiver when participating in both onsite and offsite activities. for liability reasons, employees must understand the risks involved in participating in the activity and understand that they’re waiving their right to sue.
The employee should not be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity. the waiver might be invalid when workers claim that they didn’t fully understand the risks.
Other Safety Tips
Here is a list of some other safety tips to keep in mindwhen planning physical activity.
Look at the environment where employees are active –
• Sidewalks should be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have obviously marked curbs and safe crosswalks.
• Stairwells must be well-lit and in good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that employees are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities should have proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.
Offer medical testing for staff members participating in activities –
• PAR-Q
• PAR-MEDX for Pregnancy
Below are some other important safety factors –
• First-aid kit and automated external defibrillator on site.
• Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place and practised.
• Commercial grade fitness equipment (not donated, “hand me down” equipment).
• Documented equipment inspection and maintenance schedule.
• Orientation of equipment and programs done by certified professional with a exercise background.