Health Handouts : Make safety a key concern when organizing physical activity in your workplace. An accident or injury will not “sell” the program and may end up costing the employer. This section will help you take the necessary steps to avoid an accident or injury.

Points to Keep in Mind

Hiring 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 prudent 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 a concern nowadays.

Risk management plans need not be complicated or expensive. By way of example, part of the plan may require that staff members 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 reduce the risk of loss both to individuals and to your company.

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

The employee should not be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity. The waiver may be invalid if employees state 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 ought to be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have clearly marked curbs and safe crosswalks.
• Stairwells must 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 ought to have proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.

Provide medical screening for workers 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 exercise background.