Health Promotion : Workplace Physical Activity Programs.

Make safety a key concern when planning physical activity in your workplace . An accident or injury won’t “sell” the program and might end up costing the employer. This article will help you take the necessary steps to avoid an accident or injury.

Points to Consider

Using Licensed Specialist s

Hire certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run workplace lunch & learn sessions.  It’s also a good idea to ask the instructor for references.

When you hire instructors, be 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 do not 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 physical activity . It pays to be prepared. Safety and emergency policies and procedures reduce the risk of loss both to individuals and to your organization.

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 staff member should not be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity. The waiver may be invalid if workers claim that they did not fully understand the risks.

Other Safety Tips

Here is a list of some other safety tips to remember when planning exercise .

Be sure to look at the environment where workers are active -

• Sidewalks should 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 good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that staff members are not locked out of floors.

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

Offer medical screening 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 specialist with a exercise background.