Assessment Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Gym 1 – Commercial Gym Environment
1. Activity Description
To identify and mitigate risks associated with the use of a running machine in the gym ensuring user safety and compliance with health and safety standards.
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: Equipment Failure
Potential Risk : Sudden stop, belt slippage, or electrical failure leading to falls or injury.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Major (3)
Risk Level: High (9)
Control Measures:
- Regular maintenance and inspection by qualified technicians.
- Pre-use checks for belt alignment, speed controls, and emergency stop functionality.
- Ensure machine is serviced per manufacturer guidelines.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard: Equipment Misuse
Potential Risk : Incorrect settings (e.g., excessive speed/incline) causing falls or strain injuries.
Likelihood: Likely (4)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: High (4)
Control Measures:
- Provide clear user instructions and safety guidelines.
- Display warning signs for maximum speed/incline limits.
- Train gym staff to guide new users on proper operation.
- Ensure emergency stop button is easily accessible and explained.
Residual Risk Level: Medium (7)
Hazard: Slipping / Falling
Potential Risk : Tripping on moving belt, stepping off incorrectly, or slipping due to sweat/debris.
Likelihood: Likely (4)
Severity: Medium (2)
Risk Level: High (7)
Control Measures:
- Ensure non-slip surface on and around treadmill.
- Encourage use of appropriate footwear.
- Provide handrails for balance.
- Regular cleaning to remove sweat or debris.
- Install clear signage to warn against stepping on/off moving belt.
Residual Risk Level: Medium (5)
Hazard : Overexertion
Potential Risk : Muscle strain, cardiovascular stress, or fainting from excessive exercise.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Recommend users consult a doctor before intense exercise.
- Display guidelines for safe exercise intensity.
- Encourage use of heart rate monitors.
- Ensure staff are trained in basic first aid and CPR.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Electrical Hazards
Potential Risk : Electric shock or fire from faulty wiring or improper grounding.
Likelihood: Rare (2)
Severity: Medium (3)
Risk Level: Medium (5)
Control Measures:
- Ensure treadmill is plugged into a grounded outlet.
- Regular electrical safety checks by certified electrician.
- Use surge protectors where applicable.
- Keep area free of water or conductive materials.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard : Entanglement
Potential Risk :Loose clothing, shoelaces, or hair caught in moving parts.
Likelihood: Rare (1)
Severity: Medium (3)
Risk Level: Low (3)
Control Measures:
- Advise users to wear fitted clothing and secure shoelaces.
- Display warnings about loose items near treadmill.
- Ensure machine has guards around moving parts.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard : Environmental Factors
Potential Risk : Poor ventilation or overcrowding leading to overheating or collisions.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (3)
Control Measures:
- Ensure adequate ventilation in the treadmill area.
- Maintain sufficient spacing between machines (min. 1 meter).
- Limit number of users in confined spaces.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
4. Additional Control Measures
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure a first aid kit and emergency contact numbers are readily available. Train staff on emergency shutdown procedures.
- User Education: Provide induction sessions for new users, covering safe operation and emergency protocols.
- Maintenance Logs: Keep detailed records of maintenance and inspection schedules to ensure compliance with safety standards.
- Signage: Install clear, visible signs outlining safe use, emergency stop procedures, and warnings about potential hazards.
5. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: Instructors to conduct daily visual inspections and weekly detailed checks of treadmill and structural components.
- 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).