The federal employee physical fitness policy allows for an on-site facility.
To promote and maintain a healthy employee population, the federal government encourages its agencies to establish and operate physical fitness programs and facilities. The fitness facilities can be on-site, or the agencies can enlist the aid of a private facility.
Government Code
The federal employee physical fitness policy is outlined in the United States Code (5 U.S.C. §7901). The code discusses establishment and/or use of physical fitness programs and facilities to promote an active lifestyle for employees, including supporting flexible work schedules and offices that offer healthy options such as healthy food vending machines.
Funding
Federal agencies can fund their physical fitness programs through their own budget, a combination of employees' fees and agency funding or strictly through employees' fees. The funding source depends on employee needs and the budget of the agency.
Facilities
The code states that the physical fitness program can include an on-site facility or the agency can use a private facility. The code specifies purchase equipment for an on-site facility and states that a private facility must accommodate the needs of all employees, including those with disabilities.
Note
The government does have liability risks associated with using physical fitness programs. Persons sustaining injury can bring claims against the U.S. government under the Federal Employees' Compensation Act (FECA) and the Federal Tort Claims Act.
Tags: physical fitness, fitness programs, physical fitness programs, on-site facility, private facility, employee physical, employee physical fitness
