Health Promotion Strategies

Make safety a key concern when planning physical activity in your workplace. an accident or injury won’t “sell” the program and might end up costing the employer. This section will help you take the necessary steps to avoid an accident or injury.

Points to Consider

Using Licensed Experts

Hire professionally certified 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 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 employees 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 workers to sign a waiver when participating in both on-site 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 shouldn’t be asked to sign the waiver just before the activity. the waiver could  be invalid when employees claim that they didn’t fully understand the risks.

Other Safety Tips

Here is a list of some other safety tips to keep in mindwhen planning physical activity.

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 should be well-lit and in good condition and have handrails and safety features, so that employees aren’t locked out of floors.

• Fitness facilities should have proper flooring, good ventilation, and access to water and an emergency telephone.

Offer health testing for staff members participating in activities –

• PAR-Q

• PAR-MEDX for Pregnancy

Below are some other important 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.