Corporate Wellness Blog

Points to Consider

Using Certified Professionals

Enlist professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run worksite lunch and learn sessions.  It’s also smart to ask the instructor for references.

When you hire instructors, make sure that your insurance protects both the instructor and your corporation.

Risk Management

Whether we like it or not, liability is an issue these days.

Risk management plans need not be complex or pricey. 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 exercise. It pays to be prepared. Safety and emergency policies and procedures reduce the risk of loss both to individuals and to your employer.

Ask workers to fill out a waiver when participating in both worksite 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 must not be asked to sign the waiver just before the exercise. The waiver may be invalid if staff members claim that they didn’t fully be aware the risks.

Other Safety Tips

Here’s a list of some other safety tips to keep in mind when organizing physical exercise.

Look at the environment where workers are active:

• Sidewalks must 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 must have proper flooring, great 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 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.