Assessment Date: June 27, 2025
Location: Studio 1 – Commercial Gym Environment
1. Activity Description
To identify and mitigate risks associated with the use of a SkiErg machine in a gym or home environment, ensuring user safety and compliance with health and safety guidelines.
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 Technique
Potential Risk : Incorrect form (e.g., arcing arm motion, excessive squatting) leading to shoulder, back, or core injuries.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (5)
Control Measures:
- Provide user training on proper technique, emphasizing vertical pull and hip hinge movements.
- Display instructional posters or videos near the machine.
- Encourage users with shoulder issues to consult a trainer.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard: Overexertion
Potential Risk : Excessive intensity or duration causing muscle strain, fatigue, or cardiovascular stress.
Likelihood: Possible (3)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: medium (9)
Control Measures:
- Display health warnings (e.g., consult a doctor for medical conditions or injuries).
- Encourage gradual intensity buildup, proper hydration, and rest intervals.
- Train staff to recognize overexertion signs and provide access to emergency support.
- Include workout guides emphasizing rhythm (e.g., recovery phase twice as long as pull).
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard: Pinching / Crushing
Potential Risk : Fingers, hands, or clothing caught in moving parts (e.g., cords, flywheel, or handles during pull).
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Moderate (3)
Risk Level: Medium (6)
Control Measures:
- Install or ensure guards around flywheel and moving components where applicable.
- Place warning labels on pinch points.
- Advise users to avoid loose clothing and keep hands clear of mechanisms during operation.
Residual Risk Level: Low (3)
Hazard : Equipment Failure
Potential Risk : Mechanical failure (e.g., cord snap, handle breakage, flywheel malfunction, or floor stand instability) causing pulls, falls, or impacts.
Likelihood: Rare (1)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Display health warnings (e.g., consult a doctor for medical conditions).
- Encourage gradual weight progression and use of safety features (e.g., J-hooks, safeties).
- Ensure users are trained in first aid or have access to emergency support.
- Include rest intervals in workout guides.
Residual Risk Level: Low (4)
Hazard : Collision with Equipment
Potential Risk : Bumping into the machine or protruding parts (e.g., handles, monitor) causing bruises or cuts, especially in crowded gym spaces.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Ensure adequate floor space (e.g., 2×2 ft minimum) and clear walkways.
- Use rounded edges on components where possible.
- Maintain proper gym layout to avoid high-traffic areas near the machine.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard : Slipping / Falling
Potential Risk : Slipping off handles due to sweat, poor grip, or unstable footing; or floor slips from accumulated sweat.
Likelihood: Unlikely (2)
Severity: Minor (2)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Use non-slip grips on handles and ensure stable base (e.g., floor stand bolted if needed).
- Encourage appropriate footwear, use of chalk or gloves for grip, and towels for sweat management.
- Provide cleaning stations and non-slip mats around the machine.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
Hazard : Mounting / Structural Failure
Potential Risk : Falling machine if wall-mounted improperly or overloaded, causing crush injuries (applicable if not using floor stand).
Likelihood: Rare (1)
Severity: Major (4)
Risk Level: Low (4)
Control Measures:
- Ensure secure wall mounting to studs per manufacturer instructions or use stable floor stand.
- Regularly inspect mounting hardware and weight limits (e.g., user weight up to 300lbs).
- Place cushioned mats beneath the machine for added safety.
Residual Risk Level: Low (2)
4. Additional Control Measures
- Emergency Procedures: Ensure first aid kits and emergency contact numbers are accessible. Train users or staff in emergency response.
- User Education: Provide access to manufacturer apps, instructional videos, or gym resources for safe operation and technique. Include gym induction for new users focusing on low-impact benefits and adaptability for injuries.
- Highlight features like adjustable damper, PM5 monitor for tracking, and low-impact design in training.
- Cleaning Protocols: Regular cleaning to prevent sweat-related slips and bacterial buildup, especially on handles, cords, and base.
- Age Restrictions: Restrict use to users over 16 unless supervised by a trainer.
- Assembly Safety: Ensure proper assembly following manufacturer instructions to prevent structural issues.
5. Monitoring and Review
- Monitoring: Conduct daily visual inspections and weekly detailed checks of cords, handles, flywheel, and stability.
- 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).