Assessment Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Gym 1 – Commercial Gym Environment
1. Activity Description
Operating a general gym space with a separate gym and studio. The gym contains various fitness equipment, including (but not limited to) an all-in-one fitness trainer (e.g., Force USA G3), rowing machine (e.g., Concept2), ski erg, leg press, deadlift platform with Olympic barbell, bike erg (e.g., Concept2 BikeErg), and assault bike (e.g., METIS Fury Air Bike), used for strength, cardio, and functional training.
The studio is typically empty with a clear floor (e.g., hardwood or vinyl, 800 sq ft or similar) unless a class (e.g., Zumba, yoga) is in operation, during which temporary equipment (e.g., mats, blocks) may be used. Activities include individual workouts, personal training, and group classes, with users ranging from beginners to advanced.
Risk Assessment Matrix
• Likelihood: Rare (1), Unlikely (2), Possible (3), Likely (4), Almost Certain (5)
• Severity: Insignificant (1), Minor (2), Moderate (3), Major (4), Catastrophic (5)
• Risk Level: Low (1-4), Medium (5-9), High (10-15), Extreme (16-25)
3. Hazards, Risks, and Control Measures
Hazard: Improper Equipment Use
Potential Risk : Muscle strains, joint injuries (e.g., back, knees, shoulders), or equipment-related injuries due to incorrect technique on all-in-one trainer, rowing machine, ski erg, leg press, deadlift platform, bike erg, or assault bike.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: High (12)
Control Measures:
- Provide user manuals, instructional signage, and videos for each piece of equipment.
- Offer gym inductions and personal training to teach proper form.
- Ensure staff monitor and correct technique during peak hours.
- Encourage beginners to start with low weights/resistance (e.g., empty bar, light damper settings).
Residual Risk Level: Medium (6)
Hazard: Equipment Failure
Potential Risk : Mechanical failure (e.g., cable snap on all-in-one trainer, chain breakage on bike erg, platform collapse on deadlift area) causing falls, crush injuries, or cable whip injuries.
Likelihood: Rare (1)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Conduct regular maintenance checks (e.g., monthly) on all equipment, including cables, chains, pedals, and frames.
- Inspect equipment for wear before use and display last maintenance date.
- Use high-quality, load-rated equipment (e.g., 1000lb+ for racks, durable flywheels).
- Remove faulty equipment immediately.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard: Pinching / Crushing
Potential Risk : Pinching fingers or limbs in moving parts (e.g., all-in-one trainer cables, weight stack on leg press, barbell plates on deadlift platform), causing bruises or cuts.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Install guards around pulleys and moving parts.
- Place warning labels on pinch points.
- Advise users to avoid loose clothing and keep hands clear during operation.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard : Overexertion
Potential Risk : Cardiovascular strain, dizziness, or fainting from high-intensity workouts (e.g., assault bike sprints, heavy deadlifts, ski erg intervals), particularly for unfit users.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Display health warnings (e.g., consult a doctor for medical conditions).
- Encourage gradual progression in intensity/weight across all equipment.
- Ensure staff are trained in first aid and CPR.
- Provide performance monitors (e.g., PM5 on bike erg, ski erg) to track effort and avoid overexertion.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Collisions
Potential Risk : Bumping into equipment, other users, or studio class participants, causing bruises, cuts, or minor injuries, especially in crowded gym or during class setup/takedown.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Ensure adequate spacing between gym equipment (e.g., 5ft x 3ft per machine, 8ft x 8ft for deadlift platform).
- Limit studio class size (e.g., 20 for 800 sq ft, ~40 sq ft/person).
- Use clear signage to separate gym and studio zones.
- Schedule classes to avoid peak gym traffic and manage transitions.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard : Slipping / Falling
Potential Risk : Slipping on sweaty floors or tripping over equipment, weights, or mats, causing sprains, fractures, or falls, especially during transitions between gym and studio.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Use non-slip rubberized flooring in gym and sprung hardwood/vinyl in studio.
- Provide towels and cleaning stations for sweat management.
- Require closed-toe athletic footwear in gym; appropriate footwear for studio classes.
- Keep studio floor clear when not in use and store class equipment (e.g., mats) securely.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Studio Misuse
Potential Risk : Injuries from using studio for non-class activities (e.g., unsupervised workouts) or tripping over temporary class equipment (e.g., mats, blocks) left out.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Lock studio when not in use or restrict access to class participants.
- Store class equipment in designated closets or racks after use.
- Conduct pre- and post-class checks to ensure floor is clear.
- Post signage indicating studio use is for scheduled classes only.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard: Environmental Factors
Potential Risk : Injuries due to poor lighting, inadequate ventilation, or noise (e.g., loud music, equipment clanging), leading to misjudging equipment, overheating, or hearing discomfort.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Ensure well-lit gym and studio (min. 300 lux for gym, 200 lux for studio).
- Maintain proper ventilation (e.g., fans, HVAC) to prevent overheating.
- Keep music below 90 dB and use high-quality sound systems.
- Inspect gym and studio for hazards (e.g., cords, clutter) daily.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
4. Additional Control Measures
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure first aid kits, AEDs, and emergency contact numbers are accessible in both gym and studio. Train staff in emergency response, including CPR and evacuation procedures.
- User Education: Provide comprehensive gym inductions covering safe use of all equipment (e.g., all-in-one trainer, ski erg, deadlift platform) and studio class protocols. Offer apps, posters, or videos for technique reinforcement (e.g., Concept2 tutorials, CrossFit form guides).
- Cleaning Protocols: Regular cleaning of gym equipment (handles, seats, monitors) and studio floors to prevent sweat-related slips and bacterial infections, using mild disinfectant. Daily checks for spills or debris.
- Age Restrictions: Restrict gym and studio use to participants aged 16+ unless supervised or enrolled in youth-specific classes (e.g., Zumba Kids).
- Staff Supervision: Ensure trained staff are present during operating hours to monitor equipment use, assist with setup, and manage class transitions. In home gyms, provide clear user guides for safe operation.
5. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: Instructors to conduct daily visual inspections of gym equipment, studio floor, and general environment for damage, wear, or hazards. Weekly detailed maintenance checks for moving parts (e.g., cables, chains).
- Incident Reporting: Maintain a log for all accidents or near-misses in both gym and studio to identify recurring issues (e.g., equipment misuse, slips).
- Review Date: Annual review or after any reported incident (next review: June 27, 2026).