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#1 Posted : 17 January 2007 09:39:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andy Collins A member of staff wishes to bring her own personal exercise bike to work to use in her lunch hour as a means of helping her loose weight and to be fit and healthy. My initial reaction is to refuse as if the equipment failed and she was injured we could be liable as the equipment is being used on our premises and although being used at break time, she would still be 'at work'. However, I don't want to be a total killjoy!Have members had any similar experiences regarding this type of request? Regards Andy Collins
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#2 Posted : 17 January 2007 09:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By Mike Miller Hi Andy I have not had any similar incidences but for the record I would agree with you and keep it at home. If the person lived close by they should consider going home at lunch to work out or doubling up at tea time. Stick to your guns Mike
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#3 Posted : 17 January 2007 10:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By MT My advice would be to allow her to bring it in. Give it a visual check over and if you find it to be in good condition, tell her she can use it. After all, the risks to her health from being overweight and unfit are FAR more likely to have an effect on her than the remote possibility that her exercise bike "fails". Encourage her to lose weight and be a healthy, happy employee and keep the risk in perspective.
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#4 Posted : 17 January 2007 10:42:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jim Walker I always wonder why the people who happily use these "gadgets" never actually walk or cycle anywhere.
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#5 Posted : 17 January 2007 10:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andy Brazier Andy Well done for realising your 'initial reaction' may be unnecessary. Unfortunately there are too many people working in safety who always come up with reasons why things can't be done. This needs to change so that the safety function is there to make sure things can be done safely. I think MT is spot on.
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#6 Posted : 17 January 2007 11:12:00(UTC)
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Posted By Cathy Ricketts Agree with MT - however why doesnt she go out for a walk it would be much more beneficial to her health to take a break from the environment in which she is working all day and get some natural exercise (probably regret posting this having seen the forecast for tomorrow - all her colleagues will be wanting to use the bike as well)
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#7 Posted : 17 January 2007 12:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By andrew morris If she does bring it in and you do check it over you have most definately accepted it as work equipment and would need to continue to maintain it. If you did allow it in to the building you would be better of distancing your business from it (disclaimers, etc.), making sure others don't have access and having nothing to do with it.
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#8 Posted : 17 January 2007 13:05:00(UTC)
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Posted By Darren J Fraser Have you considered enquiring about corporate gym membership, in place of allowing someone to bring in their own equipment, thereby allowing everyone the opportunity to keep fit. I can foresee a couple of problems with allowing the use of their own equipment on works premises. 1. Equipment is damaged, employee may try to claim replacement costs. 2. Everyone else wanting to 'have a go'. 3. You allowed X to bring their exercise bike in, I want to bring my rowing machine in, before you know it, you have a fully equipped gym. Encourage them to keep fit, by taking a walk during their lunch break outside of the company premises.
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#9 Posted : 17 January 2007 13:06:00(UTC)
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Posted By Steve Cartwright Don't see the problem myself. I thought work equipment was something you used to carry out your work related duties. If she is using it in her own time, providing the area she is using is safe, the equipment is in good condition and it is not going to put her health at risk, no problem. The only problems I could see is if others wanted to bring their exercise equipment in. Remember we are not just Safety Advisors/Managers many people forget we have Health in our job title as well. By allowing her to bring in the exercise bike you will be contributing to her living a healthier life style. Steve
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#10 Posted : 17 January 2007 13:09:00(UTC)
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Posted By anon1234 Make her go for a walk or jog instead
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