Safety Strategies for Corporate Fitness Centers Amid Office Return
Written by: Lisa Marchiani, CFW Senior Director of Operations
In the ever-evolving corporate landscape, employee well-being is a focal point for companies aiming to enhance productivity, retain top talent, and foster a positive and connected work environment. As we are experiencing with our clients, more and more organizations are increasing the in-office frequency of their hybrid workforce. This in mind, many organizations are building new fitness centers, or renovating and refreshing existing facilities to offer employees convenient access to exercise on their days at the office. While corporate fitness centers can bring numerous benefits, ensuring safety is paramount to protect employees from injuries and promote a culture of health and wellness.
Safety has always been a critical priority at Corporate Fitness Works. Our operational and safety policies, procedures, and best practices are based on legal and industry guidelines set forth by the most credible institutions, including:
- Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
- Privacy Protection – Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
- American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM): Health/Fitness Facility Standards and Guidelines, and Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription
- American Council on Exercise (ACE)
- Health & Fitness Association (HFA), formerly International Health, Racquet, and Sportsclub Association (IHRSA), and
- The Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
Our risk management policies are designed to ensure the safety of our client’s employees as we manage their fitness center programs. Corporations seeking a fitness management partner to administer programs, classes, and exercise safety within facilities and equipment must look for that partner to provide a comprehensive risk management plan that incorporates protocols from each of these key resources.
Over the last several years, safety considerations for offering a corporate fitness center have evolved. Below are important strategies to ensure a consistent safe and healthy fitness center environment for your employees.
1. Equipment Maintenance and Inspection:
Regular maintenance and inspection of fitness equipment are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Employers should establish a maintenance schedule and ensure that qualified professionals conduct inspections to identify any potential hazards. Promptly repair or replace malfunctioning equipment to mitigate risks. If your equipment has been sitting unused since the pandemic began, ensure it is properly inspected and serviced by professionals prior to reopening the space for employees.
2. Staff Training and Certification:
Regular maintenance and inspection of fitness equipment are crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Employers should establish a maintenance schedule and ensure that qualified professionals conduct inspections to identify any potential hazards. Promptly repair or replace malfunctioning equipment to mitigate risks. If your equipment has been sitting unused since the pandemic began, ensure it is properly inspected and serviced by professionals prior to reopening the space for employees.
3. Emergency Preparedness:
Developing comprehensive emergency protocols is imperative to address unexpected situations. Establish clear procedures for handling medical emergencies, such as providing access to first aid kits, emergency contact information, and defibrillators. Conduct regular drills to familiarize staff with emergency procedures and ensure a swift response in critical situations.
4. Proper Ventilation and Hygiene:
Adequate ventilation and cleanliness are essential for maintaining a healthy environment within the fitness center. Implement robust protocols to clean and disinfect equipment regularly and promote good hygiene practices among employees. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation to minimize the risk of airborne contaminants and maintain air quality.
5. User Education and Guidelines:
Promoting user awareness and adherence to safety guidelines is fundamental to preventing accidents. Display clear instructions for equipment usage, including proper techniques and safety precautions. Educate employees about the importance of warming up, stretching, and using equipment responsibly to reduce the likelihood of injuries.
6. Space Design and Layout:
Thoughtful space design and layout contribute to a safer fitness environment. Ensure sufficient spacing between equipment to prevent overcrowding and allow for safe movement. Install mirrors strategically to provide users with visibility and ensure proper form during exercises. Additionally, consider incorporating shock-absorbing flooring to minimize impact and reduce the risk of injuries from falls.
7. Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Design the fitness center to be inclusive and accessible to all employees, regardless of their physical abilities. Provide accommodations and equipment modifications for individuals with disabilities to facilitate their participation in fitness activities. Promote a welcoming and supportive atmosphere that encourages employees of all fitness levels to engage in exercise.
8. Monitoring and Supervision
Regular monitoring and supervision help maintain a safe and supportive environment within the fitness center. Employ dedicated staff or utilize technology to oversee activity levels, enforce safety protocols, and provide assistance when needed. Encourage employees to report any safety concerns or incidents promptly to address them effectively. If your fitness center is unstaffed, consider other ways to monitor the space such as camera monitoring or frequent walk throughs by security or other personnel.
9. Encouraging Personal Responsibility:
While employers have a responsibility to ensure a safe environment, fostering a culture of personal responsibility among employees is equally important. Encourage individuals to listen to their bodies, pace themselves during workouts, and seek guidance from fitness professionals when necessary. Emphasize the importance of proper form, hydration, and rest to prevent overexertion and injuries.
In summary, prioritizing safety in corporate fitness centers is essential to protect employees and promote a culture of health and wellness within the workplace. The standards and practices in fitness center safety continuously evolve, which can be overwhelming if trying to manage in-house and at the same time implement a return to in-office work strategy. At Corporate Fitness Works, we take this weight off of our clients’ shoulders and do everything possible to mitigate risks through our operational and safety procedures and best practices. Our risk management protocols and facilities collaboration are designed to ensure the safety of your employees as they prioritize their fitness journey.
By implementing comprehensive safety measures, providing adequate training, and fostering a supportive environment, companies can create fitness facilities that benefit employees' physical and mental well-being while minimizing the risk of injuries. Ultimately, investing in safety initiatives demonstrates a commitment to employee health and contributes to a happier, more productive workforce.
If you’re interested in learning more or would like a safety consultation on your fitness center, contact us today.
Lisa Marchiani is CFW’s Senior Director of Operations and has over 28 years of fitness industry experience. She leads national operations for all CFW managed fitness locations which includes fitness center and participant safety, risk management, quality control, evaluation, and standard operating procedures. Lisa’s educational background includes a bachelor of science in Recreation and Fitness Management, and a master’s degree in Exercise Science, with industry affiliations in IHRSA/HFA, ACSM, and ACE. She is responsible for the production, training, and adherence to all CFW processes, procedures, tools, and resources implemented at every CFW site location to ensure high quality, safe, effective, and efficient fitness center operations.