Gym Health and Safety for Members and Staff

Gym health and safety are vital, given the many potential hazards of a training and workout facility. As a client or a gym owner, there is a shared responsibility to address safety for everyone involved, increasing gym goers and staff, from compliance to changing room etiquette.

Controlling Measures from an Incident

Anything can happen at a gym. Building risks, accidental injury, and even sex crimes are potential hazards. How everyone deals with an incident is vital, and control and management is crucial. It would help to have employees with CPR and first aid certification who can respond to an emergency. Any incidents must also be recorded in as much detail as possible, which is also a legal requirement. As a member, always follow the advice and direction of safety staff.

Comply with Gym Health and Safety Laws

There are compliance laws in every type of business, and the gym is no different. Every year, almost 18% of gym goers are injured for various reasons. Compliance ensures health and safety stays at a high standard to reduce accidents and incidents. As a gym owner, all relevant actions to avoid an accident must be taken. This includes installing and maintaining equipment such as fire extinguishers and first aid stations, with staff being trained on how to use them.

Take It Slow as a Beginner

In reputable gyms, staff are trained to spot beginners and are happy to provide support and advice. This helps keep you and others safe. Yet, as a member and a beginner, you also have a responsibility to stay safe. We all start somewhere, and using equipment you aren’t familiar with will cause an accident for yourself or another member. Safety advice and how to use equipment are often done during an induction, so take the time to listen to what staff at the gym are saying.

Always Induct and Be Inducted

Further to induction, this is a vital part of a gym’s services. As a member and an owner, inductions help inform everyone of expected behaviour, rules, and how to use equipment. Any gym that doesn’t offer an induction should be avoided. And even as a veteran gym member, always complete the induction because every gym is different. This should include a tour, a medical questionnaire, the use of various equipment, and expected etiquette while at the facility.

Issues to Look Out For

There are many hazards in a gym, and some are common across all establishments. Like at home or at work, you should take time to make the place safe or learn to spot hazards and report them as a gym member. This helps make the place safer for all members and staff.

Slips and falls

Sweat and water are everywhere in most gyms. And this means you can easily slip and fall when there. Also, look out for loose weights, which are a massive tripping hazard.

Objects that can fall

There is often limited space at the gym. And this means a lot of equipment must be stored on racks and shelves. However, these can come loose and fall if not placed on correctly.

Poor equipment use

It is vital that you learn how to use gym equipment correctly. New gym member mistakes will lead to trapped fingers, being hit in the face or even slipping off a treadmill machine.

Poor technique

One of the worst things you can do in a gym as a member is use poor technique. This will reduce workout effectiveness and injure muscles. Staff should learn to look out for this.

No supervision

As an owner, it is vital that your staff are trained to supervise the gym properly. This means watching for new members, safely securing equipment, and ensuring etiquette is followed.

The many hazards that can befall someone at the gym are everywhere. From slipping and tripping to toxicity, members and staff can work together to make it a safe place for all.

Understand All Responsibilities

Gyms are inherently dangerous, and members and staff have huge responsibilities. As an owner or staff member, you must ensure health and safety are managed appropriately. This includes training staff and trainers. Others include risk assessments, electrical testing, and arranging fire drills. Staff members and gym members also need to be vigilant and aware of their role, which includes personal health and safety, following rules, and reporting danger.

Evaluate Gym Facility Safety

There are a lot of safety issues that need to be covered in a gym policy. Most are similar to pretty much any other business. And some are related to the sector itself. For example, fire exits must be clearly labelled and accessible. Floors must also be kept clean and dry, and the establishment must be well-lit. It also helps to provide new members with safety booklets and advice about procedures. Member safety monitoring is also highly beneficial day to day.

Understand Why Gym Health and Safety is Vital

There are a few reasons why health and safety at the gym is vital. Of course, it can prevent lawsuits, which are common among gyms. One gym member was awarded $11 million after enduring toxic abuse while working as a trainer. However, a safe and secure gym also provides other benefits. These include preventing injury, establishing trust between staff and members, and promoting wellbeing. These will all help attract and keep customers in the long term.

Don’t Forget About Changing Rooms

Changing rooms is a major concern in some gyms. The very nature of these means there is an inherent vulnerability for members and staff. Changing room entrances and exits must be monitored by CCTV but not inside the changing rooms. There should also be options for changing rooms depending on gender, and single occupancy changing room stalls can make them much safer. It also helps to brief staff and members about etiquette and enforce rules.

Summary

Preventing or managing an incident as well as possible is the main reason for providing gym health and safety procedures. There are many common hazards, such as slipping and falling objects, that can hurt someone. And extra care should be provided around changing rooms.