Worksite Exercise Programs – Safety Concerns

Make safety a key concern when planning physical activity in your worksite.  An accident or injury won’t “sell” the wellness program and might 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 Professionals

Hire expertly certified instructors to lead fitness courses (whether on or offsite) or to run worksite brown bagger sessions. It is 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 company.

Risk Management

Regardless of whether we like it or not, liability is an issue these days.

Risk management plans do not have to be complicated or expensive. for  instance, part of the plan might require that staff 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 person and to your business.

Ask staff members to sign a waiver when participating in both onsite and offsite activities. for liability reasons, staff members must understand the risks involved in participating in the activity and understand that they are waiving their right to sue.

The worker should not be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity.  The waiver might  be invalid when workers claim that they did not fully understand the risks.

Other Safety Tips

Here’s a list of some other safety tips to keep in mindwhen planning physical activity.

Look at the environment where workforce are active -

o  Sidewalks should be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have obviously marked curbs and safe crosswalks.

o  Stairwells should be well-lit and in good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that personnel are not locked out of floors.

o  Fitness facilities should’ve proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.

Give medical testing for staff participating in activities -

o  PAR-Q

o  PAR-MEDX for Pregnancy

Following are some other important safety factors -

o  First-aid kit and automated external defibrillator on site.

o  Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place and practised.

o  Commercial grade fitness equipment (not donated, “hand me down” equipment).

o  Documented equipment inspection and maintenance schedule.

o  Orientation of equipment and health promotion programs done by qualified expert with a exercise background.