Preventing injury.
WHY IT MATTERS ABOVE EVERYTHING
People are injured in fitness facilities, and many injuries are preventable.
WHAT CAUSES INJURY
Incorrect technique Equipment failure Unsupervised use of unfamiliar equipment Existing conditions Overexertion
Environmental factors: heat, dehydration
Collisions and falls
WHAT TO ESTABLISH AT JOINING
Health screening, appropriate to what you offer.
WHAT SCREENING SHOULD ESTABLISH
Whether the person should obtain medical clearance before exercising.
WHY
Some conditions make unsupervised exertion dangerous.
WHAT TO DO ABOUT DISCLOSED CONDITIONS
Advise medical clearance where indicated, and record it.
WHAT NOT TO DO
Give medical advice.
WHY
It is outside your competence and it creates liability.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Induction before unsupervised use.
WHAT INDUCTION SHOULD COVER
How equipment works Safe technique Emergency procedures Facility rules
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
That new members are inducted before using equipment alone.
WHAT SUPERVISION REQUIRES
Trained staff present during operating hours Attention to the floor
WHY PRESENCE MATTERS
Unsupervised facilities are where serious incidents occur without response.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT HEAVY LIFTING
Spotting arrangements and rules.
WHAT TO PROVIDE
Water, and encouragement to use it.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH
First aid provision and trained staff.
WHAT TO RECORD
Every incident and near miss.
