Promoting good physical conditioning isn’t just good for employees’ bodies, it’s also good for business.
Will Flower
Anyone who has worked in the solid waste and recycling industry knows that we have one of the most physically demanding jobs in the U.S. Continually lifting and climbing in and out of trucks, payloaders, compactors and other heavy equipment strains and stresses the body. Physical conditioning and stamina are basic requirements of our profession. That said, getting in, and staying in, good physical condition can be a challenge.
Good Physical Fitness Makes Good Sense
As an industry we need to encourage good physical fitness for everyone in the workplace including drivers and helpers who are on the routes, people who are working at landfills transfer stations and recycling centers, as well as employees inside the office. But, simply telling employees to “get in shape” will not go too far. Employees need to understand the importance of physical conditioning and the benefits associated with being in shape. There are a number of good reasons why fitness matters:
- Fit employees tend to set goals and achieve objectives
- Fit are less likely to get sick.
- Fit employees have more energy.
- Fit employees are alert employees
- Fit employees tend to have better attitudes.
- Fit employees are less stressed.
Health care professionals tell us that a successful fitness program starts with some planning and preparation. Consider these tips:
- Set goals—Employees working individually or together need to set some goals and objectives for fitness.
- Encourage teamwork—Peer pressure can work in positive ways. People are more likely to get going when they are accountable to someone else. Working out with a group or a buddy can lead to successful and long term fitness.
- Use a balanced approach—Fitness programs that focus on building muscle, strengthening the body’s core and developing endurance are essential.
- Encouraging some healthy competition among employees usually works given the competitive nature that exists among employees.
- Diet matters—Staying in shape is a combination of eating right and exercise.
Benefits
In the waste and recycling industry, nothing gets done without a great team of strong and talented people. Promoting good physical conditioning isn’t just good for employees’ bodies, it’s also good for business. Companies that “walk the talk” and really care about people will capture the benefits of a healthy workforce, including fewer injuries, lower insurance premiums and improved teamwork. Most importantly, people will be heathier!
Next month’s safety tip will focus on preventing slips and falls.
Will Flower is the President of Green Stream Recycling (Long Island, NY). Will has 31 years of experience in the area of solid waste management and environmental protection. He has worked in the Director’s Office of the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, for Waste Management, Inc. and later, for Republic Services. Inc. He has held operational and executive leadership positions.
Share your safety tip. Submit your suggestions to Will Flower at [email protected].