What is the Federal Employee Physical Fitness Policy?

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 how to 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.

References

• United States Geological Survey Manual: Physical Fitness Program
• United States Office Of Personnel Management: Providing Physical Fitness Programs
• NASA Occupational Health: Physical Fitness

Resources

• Cornell University: United States Code