Employee Wellness : Make safety a key concern when creating physical exercise in your worksite. 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 avoid an accident or injury.

Points to Keep in Mind

Using Certified Professionals

Hire professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run worksite lunch and learn sessions.  It’s also smart to ask the instructor for references.

When you hire instructors, be sure that your insurance protects both the instructor and your business.

Risk Management

Whether we like it or not, liability is a problem these days.

Risk management plans need not be complex or expensive. By way of example, part of the plan might 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 corporation.

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

The employee must not be asked to sign the waiver just before the exercise. The waiver may be invalid if staff members claim that they didn’t completely know the risks.

Other Safety Tips

Here’s a list of some other safety tips to keep in mind when creating physical activity.

Look at the environment where workers are active:

• Sidewalks must be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have clearly marked curbs and safe crosswalks.
• Stairwells should be well-lit and in good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that staff members are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities should have proper flooring, great ventilation, and access to water and an emergency phone.

Provide medical evaluation for employees participating in activities:

• PAR-Q
• PAR-MEDX for Pregnancy

Below are some other significant 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.