Worksite Wellness ProgramsWorksite Wellness Programs

Make safety a key concern when creating physical activity in your workplace. An accident or injury won’t “sell” the program and may end up costing the company. This section will help you take the necessary steps to avert an accident or injury.

Using 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 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 an issue nowadays. Risk management plans need not be complicated or expensive. For example, part of the plan might require that workers fill out 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 company. Ask workers to fill out a waiver when participating in both onsite and offsite activities. For liability reasons, workers must understand the risks involved in participating in the activity and understand 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 workers state that they didn’t fully understand 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 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 good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that workers are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities ought to have proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.

Offer medical evaluation for workers 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 professional with a physical activity background.