LASA BAXTER

PES 470

RISK MANAGEMENT PROJECT

The fitness center I reviewed included a cardio area (i.e.: electronic cardio equipment, bicycles, a rowing machine, etc.), universal and free weight areas, as well as an abdominal workout area and an indoor rubberized straight track for miscellaneous work. The following twenty items may pose risk to the patrons of the fitness center.

1.)         Floor mats were present at the main outside entrance to the building in which the fitness center is located. However, no floor mats were present directly outside the entrance to the fitness center itself.  Mats need to be placed directly outside the fitness center entrance and exits to allow patrons to wipe off their feet from outside elements.  This may help to reduce bacteria, dirt and water that may be introduced into the fitness center by foot traffic. 

2.)         Many patrons placed their hands, bodies, or personal items on the floor during their workout.  In order to promote a healthy and safe workout environment the floor may need to be swept and mopped frequently. Cones or markers cautioning patrons of a wet floor should be use during wet cleaning procedures.

3.)         A drinking fountain near the main entrance is quite low to the ground, which may be why the water stream is turned up so high.  However, this causes water from the drinking fountain to spray on the floor when used.  It would be helpful if the drinking fountain was either raised and/or the water pressure lowered to prevent water from spilling on to the floor creating a slippery environment where patrons could potentially fall.

4.)         Exercise mats in the abdominal workout area and also behind electronic cardio equipment have an abrupt square edge at least 1.25 inches high presenting another opportunity for patrons to trip and fall.  Mats with a graduated edge should be purchased to replace those posing a risk of tripping.

5.)         Lengthy cords exposed on the ground from the cardio equipment present potential for patrons to trip and fall.  The cords should be secured tightly next to or under cardio equipment to reduce a tripping hazard.

6.)         Bottles containing sanitizer were not labeled and one was spattering when used rather than spraying.  This leaves the potential for patrons to get the sanitizer in their eyes, mouths, or on skin and presents a safety hazard.  Bottles should be in working fashion and labeled as sanitizer with any appropriate warnings for their use posted on the bottle. 

7.)         Hand pulleys made of rope were present for use, which tend to harbor bacteria over time from contact with human hands.  Rope cannot be washed or wiped down for sterilization.  Alternative options should be purchased and used in place of rope pulleys to prevent spread of disease, such as those made of plastic or metal.

8.)         Ladders were stored alongside a wall on their side.  This leaves potential for ladders to fall on to patrons and/or become a hazard for tripping.  Ladders should be hung up for storage or stored in a closet.

9.)         Signs depicting and/or describing proper use of equipment did not exist, other than on universal equipment.  Posters should be present large enough for patrons to observe depicting and describing proper use of equipment to avoid injury from improper use.

10.)     Heavy free-weight stations did not have warnings posted for use of a spotter.  Signs should be posted at heavy free-weight stations for mandatory use of a spotter in order to use the equipment to prevent possible injury (i.e.: bench press).

11.)     Exercise balls were stored above the head over the squat equipment.  If the light weight ball was to fall off it could be a distraction to those lifting weights and pose a potential risk for injury.  Exercise balls should be stored on the ground in the abdominal workout area.

12.)     Hurdles were left out semi-stacked in the straight track area where many patrons frequently hop, skip, and run.  The hurdles should be stored in a closet to eliminate a potential tripping hazard. 

13.)     Brooms for sweeping were left out and not stored in a closet, presenting a potential tripping hazard.  Brooms should be stored in an appropriate closet eliminate the risk of tripping.

14.)     Electronic floor cleaning equipment was left out and the cord was positioned in a high traffic area near the door.  Floor cleaning equipment should be stored immediately after use to avoid a potential tripping hazard for patrons.

15.)     Patron’s personal items were left on the floor near their workout area where other patrons could trip over them.  Signs to encourage storage of personal items in lockers should be posted to eliminate risk of tripping or damage to personal equipment.

16.)     Towels were left in a few places on the floor near workout equipment.  Towels used by patrons could harbor bacteria and can be a hazard for tripping if left on the floor.  A towel bucket should be supplied that is labeled as such.

17.)     Two wet/dirty towels were left lying on the floor in a traffic area.  The towels were being used to soak up water from a small leak in the ceiling.  No hazard signs or cones were placed near the area as a warning to patrons.  Purchase warning signs to be used in the area where water may be dripping on the floor and also for use when the floor is being mopped.

18.)     Hand weights were left on the floor in a few traffic areas that should be stored on free weight stands in order to eliminate tripping hazards.

19.)     Emergency exit routes were not posted.  Clear emergency protocol and exit route posters should be posted near entrances and exits.

20.)         I could not see any visible fire extinguishers inside the fitness center.  Fire extinguishers should be in plain view and clearly marked for proper use in case of a fire.