19/07/2025
🏋️♀️ Gyms can be busy places, with different types of equipment, group workout classes and individuals moving around.
🏋️♀️ These factors can all contribute to risks in the gym, which is why it’s important for owners or managers to complete a gym risk assessment and maintain good health and safety in the gym.
🏋️♀️ Regularly taking part in exercise is great for physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
There are some essential practices and guidelines that gyms and individuals can implement to maintain optimal health and safety in the gym. Making sure that hazards in the gym are minimised means people can work out safely – and gives staff peace of mind when on the gym floor.
• Risks In The Gym
As gyms are workplaces as well as leisure and hospitality facilities, accidents can happen to both staff and members of the public.
Accidents that can occur in the gym include:
• Slip, Trips And Falls
Probably some of the most common accidents in any workplace, slips, trips and falls can happen in the gym due to spilled water, excess sweat, or the gym floor being cleaned without adequate signage. There may also be uneven floors or equipment creating obstacles that can cause people to trip and fall.
• Falling Objects
Certain pieces of equipment, like dumbbells or ab mats may be stored at a height. If these objects fall, they could cause mild to moderate injuries to gym goers and staff alike. An accident investigation book will need to be available to record any cases of clients or staff being hit by falling objects.
• Equipment-Related Injuries
Falling off treadmills, dropping weights or trapping fingers are all equipment-related risks in the gym. If equipment is not used properly and with adequate care, accidents can happen. These types of accidents can be reduced if correct training is provided to staff and customers are instructed on how to use equipment properly.
• Overexertion
It’s important that gym goers take care not to lift weights that are too heavy and to only perform movements with the correct technique. Overexertion can result in a few days of muscle pain or it can have more serious consequences like sprains or even breaks.
• Lack Of Supervision
Whilst users of the gym should take personal responsibility, it is also important that staff and trainers ensure people are using equipment safely and are competent at a range of exercises. This applies to those using the open gym and people in group fitness classes.
With good health and safety measures, and routine equipment maintenance, accidents in the gym can be reduced significantly. Reporting faulty equipment or obvious hazards can also help in creating a safe gym environment for everyone.
Henry can assist in What To Include In A Gym Risk Assessment amongst other topics. Call 01273 806456/07922 873996.
