Article Summary:
Points
Article Content:
Make safety a key concern when planning exercise in your workplace. An accident or injury won’t “sell” the health promotion program and might end up costing the business. This section will help you take the necessary steps to avoid an accident or injury.
Points to Consider
Using Qualified Professionals
Hire specialistly licensed instructors to lead fitness courses (whether on or offsite) or to run workplace lunch and learn sessions. 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 organization.
Risk Management
Whether or not 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 workers complete fitness appraisals and sign statements accepting the possible risks involved in physical activity.
It compensates to be prepared. Safety and emergency policies and procedures reduce the risk of loss both to person 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 could be invalid when staff claim that they did not fully understand the risks.
Other Safety Tips
Here’s a list of some other safety tips to rememberwhen planning physical activity.
Look at the environment where staff members are active -
o Sidewalks must be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have clearly marked curbs and safe crosswalks.
o Stairwells should be well-lit and in good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that personnel are not locked out of floors.
o Fitness facilities should have proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.
Make available medical screening for personnel participating in activities -
o PAR-Q
o PAR-MEDX for Pregnancy
Following are some other important safety factors -
o First-aid kit and automated external defibrillator on site.
o Emergency Action Plan (EAP) in place and practised.
o Commercial grade fitness equipment (not donated, “hand me down” equipment).
o Documented equipment inspection and maintenance schedule.
o Orientation of equipment and health promotion programs done by licensed expert with a exercise background.
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