Health And Wellness In The WorkplaceHealth And Wellness In The Workplace

Points to Consider

Using Certified Professionals

Hire professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run workplace lunch and learn meetings.  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 company.

Risk Management

Whether we like it or not, liability is a concern nowadays.

Risk management plans do not have to be complicated or pricey. For 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 decrease the risk of loss both to individuals and to your organization.

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

The employee ought to not be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity. The waiver may be invalid if employees 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 staff members 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 should be well-lit and in great condition and have handrails and safety features, so that staff members are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities ought to have proper flooring, great ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.

Offer medical evaluation for employees 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 exercise background.