Assessment Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Gym 1 – Commercial Gym Environment
1. Activity Description
Use of a plyometric (plyo) box for exercises such as box jumps, step-ups, and other high-intensity movements aimed at improving strength, agility, and cardiovascular fitness in a commercial gym setting, performed by members, staff, or supervised visitors.
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 Use
Potential Risk : Muscle strains, sprains, or joint injuries (e.g., ankle, knee) due to incorrect jumping or landing technique, or using a box height unsuitable for the user’s ability.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Major (3)
Risk Level: High (9)
Control Measures:
- Provide instructional signage and videos on proper plyo box techniques.
- Offer training sessions with certified trainers.
- Recommend starting with lower box heights for beginners.
- Ensure users warm up before exercises.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard: Slipping / Falling
Potential Risk : Falls from the box or slipping during jumps due to sweat, improper footwear, or unstable box surface, leading to bruises, fractures, or head injuries.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: High (12)
Control Measures:
- Use plyo boxes with non-slip surfaces or rubberized tops.
- Place cushioned mats around the box to reduce impact from falls.
- Encourage appropriate footwear and provide towels for sweat management.
- Bolt or secure boxes to the floor if not designed to be portable.
Residual Risk Level: Medium (5)
Hazard: Equipment Failure
Potential Risk : Injuries from box collapse or instability due to structural damage or overloading beyond weight capacity.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- IDisplay health warnings to consult a doctor for medical conditions.
- Encourage gradual progression in intensity and rest intervals.
- Train staff to recognize signs of overexertion.
- Ensure first aid availability.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Collision with Equipment
Potential Risk : Bruising or cuts from bumping into the plyo box, especially in crowded gym spaces or during dynamic movements.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Ensure minimum 1-meter clearance around plyo boxes.
- Use rounded edges or padded boxes where possible.
- Highlight box edges with bright tape for visibility.
- Store boxes properly when not in use.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Improper Box Height
Potential Risk : Injuries from attempting jumps on a box too high for the user’s ability, leading to falls or awkward landings.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Provide multiple box heights (e.g., 12”, 18”, 24”) with clear height markings.
- Include guidance on selecting appropriate box height based on fitness level.
- Train staff to advise users on safe height selection.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Improper Placement
Potential Risk : Tripping or falling due to boxes placed in high-traffic areas or on uneven surfaces, causing instability.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Use non-slip grips on chin-up bar and diamond-plated surfaces on leg press.
- Encourage appropriate footwear and use of chalk for grip.
- Provide towels and cleaning stations for sweat management.
- Bolt unit to floor for stability as recommended.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
4. Additional Control Measures
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure first aid kits and emergency contact numbers are accessible. Train staff in basic first aid and emergency response.
- User Education: Provide access to instructional videos or gym induction sessions for safe plyo box use. Include guidance on warm-ups, landing techniques, and height selection.
- Cleaning Protocols: Implement regular cleaning to prevent sweat-related slips and maintain hygiene on box surfaces, especially high-touch areas.
- Age Restrictions: Restrict plyo box use to users over 16 unless supervised by a trainer or guardian.
- Gym Layout: Ensure plyo box areas are well-lit, spacious, and free from clutter to minimize collision risks.
5. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: Conduct daily visual inspections of plyo boxes and surrounding areas, with detailed checks monthly for structural integrity.
- Incident Reporting: Maintain a log for all accidents or near-misses to identify recurring issues.
- Review Date: Annual review or after any reported incident (next review: June 27, 2026).