Employer Wellness : Make safety a key concern when creating physical exercise in your workplace. An accident or injury will not “sell” the program and may end up costing the employer. This section will assist you in taking the necessary steps to avert an accident or injury.
Points to Keep in Mind
Hiring Certified Professionals
Enlist professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run workplace lunch and learn meetings. It’s also prudent to ask the instructor for references.
When you hire instructors, make sure that your insurance protects both the instructor and your corporation.
Risk Management
Whether we like it or not, liability is an issue these days.
Risk management plans need not be complicated or pricey. By way of example, part of the plan may require that employees complete fitness appraisals and sign statements accepting the possible risks involved in physical activity. It pays to be prepared. Safety and emergency policies and procedures lower the risk of loss both to individuals and to your employer.
Ask employees to sign a waiver when participating in both workplace and offsite activities. For liability reasons, employees must be aware of the risks involved in participating in the activity and understand that they are waiving their right to sue.
The employee must not be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity. The waiver may be invalid if staff members state that they didn’t totally understand the risks.
Other Safety Tips
Here’s a list of some other safety tips to keep in mind when planning physical activity.
Look at the environment where workers are active:
• Sidewalks ought to be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have clearly marked curbs and safe crosswalks.
• Stairwells ought to be well-lit and in great condition and have handrails and safety features, so that workers are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities should have proper flooring, great ventilation, and access to water and an emergency phone.
Offer medical screening for staff members participating in activities:
• PAR-Q
• PAR-MEDX for Pregnancy
Below are some other valuable 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 physical activity background.