Health Wellness ProgramHealth and Wellness Programs and Wellness Program Consulting

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 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 a concern nowadays.

Risk management plans need not be complicated or pricey. By way of example, part of the plan might require that staff members complete fitness appraisals and sign statements accepting the possible risks involved in physical exercise. It pays to be prepared. Safety and emergency policies and procedures reduce the risk of loss both to individuals and to your organization.

Ask workers to sign a waiver when participating in both onsite and offsite activities. For liability reasons, workers must be aware of the risks involved in participating in the exercise and understand that they are waiving their right to sue.

The employee must 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 organizing physical activity.

Look at the environment where employees 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 great condition and have handrails and safety features, so that staff members are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities must 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 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 activity background.