Drug Education and Intervention in the Workplace : Make safety a key concern when organizing physical exercise in your workplace. An accident or injury will not “sell” the program and may end up costing the organization. This section will help you take the necessary steps to avoid an accident or injury.
Posted by admin | Posted in Drug Education and Intervention | Posted on 06-07-2009
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Points to Keep in Mind
Hiring Certified Professionals
Hire professionally certified instructors to lead fitness classes (whether on or offsite) or to run worksite 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 business.
Risk Management
Whether we like it or not, liability is a concern these days.
Risk management plans do not have to be complex or expensive. For example, part of the plan might 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 organization.
Ask workers to fill out 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 staff members claim that they didn’t totally understand the risks.
Other Safety Tips
Here’s a list of some other safety tips to keep in mind when creating physical exercise.
Look at the environment where staff members are active:
• Sidewalks should be clear of ice and snow, away from falling debris or snow, and have clearly marked curbs and safe crosswalks.
• Stairwells should be well-lit and in good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that workers are not locked out of floors.
• Fitness facilities must have proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.
Offer medical assessment for staff members 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.