1 – Scope

With increasing pressure on Members to offer more flexible access to gyms and other leisure facilities, this has resulted in unstaffed leisure facilities (especially out of hours) becoming more common place. With limited supervision by fitness professionals, this presents new challenges to overcome emerging risks relating to safe equipment use and facilities being maintained in a safe condition.

 

2 – Concerns

UMAL wants to remind Members that there is still a duty of care to the students and clientele to ensure gyms are a safe environment. The following areas to mitigate risk should now be explored.

2.1 Equipment use and selection

Members should consider what equipment and facilities are appropriate for an unstaffed gym. Review gym risk assessments and equipment. Extra controls and restrictions should be considered for

• Access to free weights (barbells / dumbbells) that will require spotters or may cause crush / impact injuries when misused / dropped.

• Weight racks or press machines without range limiters, emergency brakes or other safety mechanisms to prevent uncontrolled release.

• Weight and cardiovascular equipment that doesn’t have e-stops / safety keys or lanyards to prioritise the well-being of users.

2.2 Electronic Surveillance (CCTV)

CCTV has several uses, beyond monitoring entry and exit points to avoid tailgating, the footage can be monitored to alert to emergencies, accidents and incidents. Additionally, footage can be regularly reviewed to help flag gym users misuse of equipment, bypassing safeguards or help identify where additional guidance / instruction on usage is needed.

2.3 Inspection

Faulty equipment is one of the most common causes of accidents in gyms, to help manage this risk for both staffed and unstaffed gyms, members must:

• Make sure the equipment is serviced and maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s guidelines and usage.

• Carry out visual inspection of equipment daily to cover

o Inspection regimes to include gym housekeeping and user behaviour.

o Ensure safeguards or limiters remain for Smith machines and power racks etc.

o Have a reporting and escalation process (including out of hours), where equipment can be withdrawn / isolated from use if damaged / faulty.

Record keeping and evidence that daily inspections have been conducted are essential. There are many ways our Members can do this from simple paper-based check sheet to e-checklists. (LINK)

2.4 Induction

Induction training is key in educating users, but also helping Members defend claims in cases where the cause appears to be user error.

• Every user (regardless of experience) should undertake an induction, while formats may vary, they should include instructions on safe use of specific equipment and amenities.

• Where appropriate, induction training should also include procedures and safety protocols for use whilst the gym is unstaffed

• Members should maintain induction records for at least three years.

2.5 Emergency Response

Things can and do go wrong, these could be users and facilities related emergencies. Members responses should consider.

• Are there emergency buttons/notification or monitored CCTV systems available to quickly alert staff of concerns.

• Are there visible emergency contact lists and instructions for users on specific emergencies.

• Are protocols established (and practiced) for responding to emergencies and getting assistance out of hours.

For further support on staff less equipment and facilities preparation and emergency planning, please contact the UMAL Risk Control team.