Cert III in Fitness

SISXRSK301A Undertake risk analysis of activities

A risk

A risk is defined as the probability and

consequences of illness or injury to a person or

damage to property.

A hazard

A hazard is defined as a potential to harm the health or safety of a person or damage

property.

Risk management

is defined by Standards Australia and Standards New Zealand as a term applied to a logical and systematic method of identifying, analysing,

assessing, treating, monitoring and communicating risks associated with any

activity, function or process in a way that will enable organisations to minimise losses and

maximise opportunities.

It is as much about identifying opportunities as avoiding or mitigating losses and is an integral

part of any management process.

The six steps in the risk management process

1. Establish the context

2. Identify the risk

3. Analysis the risk

4. Evaluate the risk

5. Treat the risk

6. Monitor and review

Risk analysis

The process of defining and analysing the

dangers to individuals, businesses and

government agencies posed by potential

natural and human-caused adverse events.

Inherent risk rating

The initial risk level of a hazard prior to the application of any

controls.

Residual risk rating

The level of risk remaining after controls (risk treatments) have

been selected and implemented.

Sources of risk Description Examples

Physical Risks which have the potential to cause physical harm to individuals.

• Injury due to damaged or poorly maintained equipment

• First aid response to injuries• Health risk to members due to over

exertion

Chemical Risks or hazards developed from exposure to chemical agents in the environment such as air, water, food, and soil and the use of chemicals or hazardous substances.

• Exposure to hazardous substances.• Unsuitable protective equipment.

Environmental Risks or hazards which are created within the environment you are working in, which have potential to cause harm to individuals.

• Trip/slip hazards including obstacles on floor, loose carpets or tiles, electrical cords, etc.

• Change room/ toilet facilities• Lighting hazards• Risk of infection from unhygienic

conditions (e.g. sweat on gym equipment)

Sources of risk Description Examples Psychological Risks associated with the

organisation which impact on staff or individuals psychological wellbeing.

• Work related stress, whose causal factors include excessive working time and overwork.

• Violence from outside the organisation• Bullying, which may include emotional and

verbal abuse, • Sexual harassment• Mobbing• Burnout • Exposure to unhealthy elements during

meetings with business associates, e.g. tobacco, uncontrolled alcohol.

Financial, commercial & legal

This is basically dealing with the financial consequences of a loss. Financial risks can be a direct financial cost, costs associated with legal procedures, loss in profit to the organisation or cost related to additional risks such as physical risks.

• Cost of equipment in regard to maintenance• Low number of memberships sold• Customer is to sue the organisation for

damages.

Behavioural Risks caused from the behaviour or actions of individuals.

• Injury due to improper use of machinery• Not following instructions e.g. diving in the no

diving areas of the pool, running in confided area, lifting weights without a spotter.

Three common categories of perils used in the insurance industry to classify causes of loss

• caused by loss of market, loss of income, local, national, or worldwide economic conditions, inflation, or obsolescence of an industry

Economic perils

• caused directly by people and include crime, liability, fidelity, and some types of property damage such as vehicle damage or arson.

Human perils

• includes such perils as injury and damage caused by natural elements such as rain, ice, snow, typhoon, hurricane, volcano, wave action, wind, earthquake, or flood.

Natural perils

Risk assessment

The process of assessing the risks associated with the hazard, including the

likelihood of injury or illness being caused by

that hazard, and identifying the factors that contribute to the

risk.

information in the maintenance schedule

for equipment

should be included in the organisations

policy and procedures

and it should outline the

frequency of maintenance

frequency of inspections and

cleaning

incident reports

and failure reports.

Reports Information

Incident reports

Are to be completed by employees after any incident occurs within the organisation. Incident report forms should;• Record hard factual information (for example, who was involved,

when and where the incident occurred, what injuries were sustained)

• Describe how the incident occurred and what the outcome was• Allow staff to make suggestions or comments to management• Be concise and easily understandable and provide mandatory

feedback to staff involved (Victorian Government Department of Human Services, 2004).

Maintenance reports

A report completed after the equipment has been serviced outlining the specific details of what was assessed, what was repaired or replaced and any further recommendations required for efficient functioning of the machine.

Failure reports A report outlining any failures or malfunctions in equipment. Employees should report any failures observed to management. Management will complete the failure report which may be sent to the purchasing company for warranty or maintenance claim

Equipment

All forms of equipment are manufactured to meet Australian Standards and when

operating have specific design limits which should be followed.

Exercise equipment has design limits which fitness instructors should be aware

of to ensue the safety of their clients.

Examples of design limits include; weight limits, height adjustments and

service/calibration.

Effects of operating outside the limits may include increased risk of the equipment

breaking, becoming faulty and increasing the risk of injury to clients.

Client too heavy for treadmill

Do not allow the client to use the treadmill as

their body weight is exceeding the maximum

limit.

Explain to the client the treadmill has a weight limit which is designed to ensure the client’s

safety and it would be in their best interest to

walk outdoors or around the gym instead of utilising the treadmill.

Provide the client with alternative exercise

options which are safe and suitable.

Risk management

Organisations in the fitness industry must abide to strict risk evaluation criteria in order to provide a

high value service that protects the health and well-being of their staff and consumers.

Organisations must develop risk management policies aimed at providing safe, functional, and

effective surroundings for program delivery.

Risk management policies should reflect national, state, and local regulations.

Many injuries that occur in the fitness setting can be prevented with regular maintenance of equipment,

training of personnel, and formal member orientations.

Risk evaluation

criteria

Legislation

Regulations

Australian Standards

Organisational policies, aims and objectives

Operating procedures

and guidelines.

Operating Guidelines/Standards Organisation

Objectives

Australian Standards

A supplier must ensure that all wet areas of the Fitness Centre are cleaned frequently and regularly in order to maintain a high standard of cleanliness and comply with occupational health and safety legislation.

Increase organisational and industry profile.

Appropriate number of toilets and showers are provided for both males and females, depending on the size of the organisation.

A supplier must ensure that all exercise areas contain adequate safe working space and that user numbers do not hinder safe and effective use of the area or equipment.

Build scale and focus on member services.

Every organisation has disabled access.

A supplier must ensure that Registered Fitness Professionals or Allied Fitness Service Providers who advise consumers how to operate the equipment are adequately trained in the operation of the equipment.

Build foundation and core capabilities.

Appropriate distance between equipment and area for use is provided within the organisation.

A supplier must provide a fully equipped first-aid kit located in a prominent and easily accessible position, and ensure that all staff members know its location.

Maintain and enhance standards of excellence.

All forms of equipment are manufactured to meet Australian Standards.

Components in the

organisation’s policies and procedures

occupational health and

safety,

equipment use and

maintenance,

reporting and record keeping

communications protocols.

Organisations records

Records are required to be

retained for

all training,

equipment maintenance

employee consultations.

Forms that need to filed and retained for

10 years

client consent,

assumption of risk,

physician's clearance,

emergency medical authorization,

release of information

OH&S requirements OHS policy

OHS Responsibilities

Training and competency

OHS Consultation

and Communication

Hazard identification,

risk assessment and control

Contractors

Equipment Safety

Emergency preparedness and response

Injury Management

Specific risk prevention measures

Dut

y of

car

eAll employers have a legal “duty of care” to ensure the health and safety of their staff.

This duty of care also requires the employer to ensure that people (other than employees) are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the

operation of the business.

Fitness Centres have a duty of care to any person who participates in a physical activity program.

OH&S legislation responsibilities an organisation must implement

• Maintaining the place of work and working environment under your control in a safe condition.

• Ensuring the safe use, handling, storage and transport of equipment & substances.

• Providing and maintaining “systems of work” (e.g. policies and procedures) to ensure workplace safety.

• Providing the information, instruction, training and supervision necessary to ensure the health and safety of employees.

• Providing adequate facilities for the welfare of employees.• Ensuring that risk management procedures are implemented to identify,

assess, control and monitor workplace hazards.• Ensuring that appropriate employee consultation arrangements are in

place and implemented.• Ensuring that injuries are reported within prescribed timeframes and

that a system exists to facilitate the return to work for injured employees.

Occupational Health & Safety (OH & S)

Occupational Health & Safety legislation within all states specifies obligations for all businesses, regardless of the number of people employed or the nature of the business.

Under OHS law, if you can ‘affect’ the health and safety of people in the workplace, you have a legal responsibility to implement appropriate precautions.

Although OHS legislation focuses on staff safety, it also requires employers to ensure the safety of any visitors to the workplace.

Furthermore, many of the measures required to protect employees will also apply to clients

Consequently, by implementing an effective OHS program you can minimise the risk of injury to both staff and clients and reduce the likelihood of related fines and public liability claims.

Liabilities Differences

Public liability is part of the law of tort which focuses on civil wrongs. An applicant (the injured party) usually sues the respondent (the owner or occupier) under common law based on negligence and/or damages. Claims are usually successful when it can be shown that the owner/occupier was responsible for an injury, therefore they breached their duty of care.

Product liability is the area of law in which manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, retailers, and others who make products available to the public are held responsible for the injuries those products cause.

Professional liability Professional liability insurance, also called professional indemnity insurance is a form of liability insurance that helps protect professional advice and service providing individuals and companies from bearing the full cost of defending against a negligence claim made by a client, and damages awarded in such a civil lawsuit. The coverage focuses on alleged failure to perform on the part of, financial loss caused by, and error or omission in the service or product sold by the policyholder.

Equal opportunity

Relevant legislation addresses areas of equal opportunity, privacy, duty of care, industrial

relations and licensing.

All fitness organisations have to abide by the equal opportunity act

Age, sex, race, martial status and being pregnant are some examples of some examples of grounds for discrimination which is unlawful under the equal

opportunity act.

Fitness Instructors may not disclose information obtained professionally to any third party without

the informed consent of the client.

Incapacity, emergency, law and public safety are the major exceptions which provide grounds for fitness instructors to

disclose client information with informed consent.

Hazards Causes Impact

Injury due to improper use of machinery.

Inexperienced clients, poorly instructed/demonstrated by the fitness instructor or client choosing not to follow instructions.

All of the risks no matter what level tend to have a financial impact on the business, from cost of damages to individuals or equipment through to the cost of implementing the control measures. Cost proves to be the largest area of impact to the organisation associated with undertaking a risk analysis. The business is liable for any physical damage or injury to staff or clients as a result of risks within the organisation. When implementing control measures the organisation is faced with the cost of making changes such as purchasing equipment and resources, modifying the environment and training staff. The reputation of the business may be affected if the organisation is found not to be abiding by OH&S policy and regulations and therefore not providing efficient duty of care to clients. Membership sales may decrease and the organisation may have difficulty employing staff willing to work for an organisation operating below Australian Standards. Potential risks within the organisation may also impact on the businesses insurance policy. It may cause the cost of the excess to rise and create a challenge for gaining appropriate coverage.

Emergency exit requirements and evaluation procedures

Staff failing to keep exits clear at all times, manager failing to enforce regular training drills.

Injury due to damaged or poorly maintained equipment.

Staff failing to undertake regular maintenance such as oil and clean equipment, manager failing to ensure equipment is regularly serviced as outlined by manufacture.

Trip/slip hazards including obstacles on floor, loose carpets or tiles, electrical cords, etc.

Staff members not keeping all areas clear from trip hazards, building owner failing to provide a building which meets safety standards, organisation falling behind on building maintenance such as replacing tiles, carpet etc.

Risk of infection from unhygienic conditions (e.g. sweat on gym equipment)

Staff members failing to disinfect equipment regularly throughout the day, members failing to wipe down equipment after they use it and members not using a towel.

The likelihood of any given risk turning into an accident, injury

or loss

The potential consequences of the incident

How is level of risk determined

The four levels of risk

LOW (L)

• Infrequent accidents with minor injury and the strategy may be to accept the risk and manage by routine procedures.

MODERATE (M)

• Infrequent accidents with major loss, attend to in medium term allocated management responsibility and the strategy may be to take out insurance.

SIGNIFICANT

(S)

• More frequent accidents with major loss, attend to in short term, senior management attention required.

HIGH (H)

• Frequent accidents with severe consequences requiring immediate action and the strategy should be to avoid such risks.

Risk Classification Definition

Disease. An abnormal condition affecting the body of an organism

Economic perils. Caused by loss of market, loss of income, local, national, or worldwide economic conditions, inflation, or obsolescence of an industry.

Environmental. Risks or hazards which are created within the environment you are working in, which have potential to cause harm to someone.

Human perils. Caused directly by people and include crime, liability, fidelity, and some types of property damage such as vehicle damage or arson.

Financial. A direct financial cost, costs associated with legal procedures, loss in profit to the organisation, or cost related to additional risks such as physical risks.

Security. Break-ins, hold ups, and staff safety during vulnerable periods such as early morning and late night shifts.

Occupational Health & Safety.

Direct or indirect degradation which can be temporary or permanent, of the physical, mental, or social well-being of workers

Property damage. Damage to, or the destruction of, public or private property, caused either by a person who is not its owner or by natural phenomena

Technology From information theft to lost worker productivity to missed sales opportunities

Acceptable risk

Acceptable risks are risks that fall into the low or

acceptable categories and do not require further

treatment.

Such risks should be monitored and

periodically reviewed to ensure they remain

acceptable.

Examples can include;

Exposure to hazardous substances: There are minimal hazardous chemicals used

within the fitness centre and there are adequate safety precautions in place, therefore this risk is acceptable and does not require further action.

Change room/ toilet facilities: The organisation currently has controls in place

to manage the associated risks.

Lighting hazards: The areas of the fitness centre which pose

greater risk of injury have adequate lighting and the areas which don’t have are less likely to cause injury. Therefore the cost of installing more lights is too great to manage an area

which has minimal risk of injury.

Outdoor training – complaints by others in the area:

To date the organisation has received minimal complaints as they abide by council regulations.

No further action required although regular monitoring to ensure the risk remains

acceptable.

Control measures

Control measures should be reviewed at regular intervals to make sure that they have had the desired impact in reducing the likelihood and/or consequences of a

hazard occurring.

An organisation should review their risk treatment plan when an injury occurs, controls are implemented and changes

occur.

Recommendations are developed to ensure controls remain effective.

The following is a list of information which should be documented after the

review process.

When a risk analysis

should be repeated

Regularly to ensure the risk-treatment

plan remains relevant.

The residual risk has been assessed

as intolerable

There is evidence that the risk

assessment is no longer applicable

An injury, incident or illness occurs as

a result of the hazard that the

process had been deemed to address

There is a change in the place of work (e.g. a

move to another venue), work practices (e.g. a

change in the performance elements)

There is a change to the legislative

requirements relating to a

particular hazard or risk

Whenever new information regarding

work processes or products within the workplace becomes

available.

Reco

mm

enda

tion:

Sig

nage

no

t wor

king

Modify signs so they are in bold, easy to see and clearly understood.

Staff members are to enforce to members the importance of replacing weights and if

found not doing so they will be banned from using the gyms facilities.

Staff must place a lock on member’s profile which restricts their access to the

facility.

RISK 1: Injury due to improper use of machinery

CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED RESPONSIBILITY SCHEDULE

All rules to be explained to participants

before an activity begins. Staff members At start of a session

Safety rules to be fully explained and

enforced throughout the session.Staff members

Before and during

sessions.

Warm up prior to and warm down after

the activity.

Staff to enforce, client to

complete. With each session

Staff to be fully aware of potential

dangers associated with particular

exercises.

Staff membersPrior to prescribing

exercises

Staff vigilance throughout the session. Staff members Continuously

Staff training to address potential

problems.Manager As required

Risk treatment options Explain + example

RISK AVOIDANCE: (eliminate, withdraw)

RISK AVOIDANCE: (eliminate, withdraw from or not become involved)This includes not performing an activity that could carry risk by cancelling or postponing the activity, such as a surf competition in dangerous weather or a fun run in extreme heat.

RISK REDUCTION: (optimise - mitigate)

Risk reduction or "optimisation" involves reducing the severity of the loss or the likelihood of the loss from occurring by taking proactive measures such as modifying or changing the rules of a game, using protective equipment or backing up electronic data.

RISK TRANSFER: (outsource or insure)

Sharing with another party the burden of loss or the benefit of gain, from a risk, and the measures to reduce a risk. Examples of risk transfer include taking out insurance or using waiver or indemnity releases to transfer the whole or part of the responsibility for the risk to another party.

RISK RETENTION: (accept and budget)

Involves accepting the loss, or benefit of gain, from a risk when it occurs. If the chance of a very large loss is small or if the cost to insure for greater coverage amounts is so great it would hinder the goals of the organisation too much, this risk would be acceptable.

Evaluate the following risk treatment options to determine the extent of risk reduction, and extent of benefits or opportunities created for the organisation.

Risk avoidance:

The security risk to staff working late nights or early mornings can be avoided by not opening the fitness centre during such periods.

This treatment option would reduce the risk completely although it would impact the business negatively as the limited opening hours may reduce membership sales. Therefore additional control measures are required which will provide more opportunities for the business such as installing an emergency panic button at reception and ensuring staff are familiar with evacuation procedures.

Risk reduction:

Providing appropriate wipe down dispensers with disinfectant solution to reduce the risk of infections from unhygienic conditions.

Reducing the severity of a risk minimises the impact of the risk to an organisation but it does not remove it completely. For example providing the dispensers creates a more hygienic environment with little cost to the organisation. This treatment option is time effective as the equipment will be getting wiped after each use without utilising staff time to do so.

Risk transfer:

Buying insurance By taking out insurance the organisation reduces the cost or potential impacts of a risk such as; injury caused from damaged or poorly maintained equipment. The extent of risk to the organisation remains the same although the financial impact if the risk causes harm to a member dramatically decreases.

Controls Explanation Example Elimination Completely remove the

hazard. The risk is a tree is about two metres from the court line. Removal would be the best option to avoid any serious injury.

Substitution Change a work practice, substance or piece of equipment to provide a safer environment.

The risk is fencing is not the required distance from playing area. Action: Padding could be put up on the fencing that is in close proximity to the baseline of the court to reduce the chance of any injury occurring.

Engineering controls

Modify the design of the workplace or plant and/or environmental conditions.

The risk is the court surface has been manipulated with asphalt strips, trying to fill cracks. Action: The council filled the gaps inappropriately, so the club feels it is the council’s responsibility to deal with the consequences such as fixing what they did or laying a new surface.

Administrative controls

Developing procedures and systems to control the interaction between people and hazards.

Risk is the club does not follow established safety inspection procedures for the facility and equipment. Action: Club to appoint someone at the start of each season and have a criteria sheet that they mark off for evaluation.

Personal protection equipment (PPE)

Implementing PPE to prevent physical contact between a person and a hazard.

Action: Proper runner should be administrated by coaches to allow for best protection of the foot.Action: Taping/mouth guards should be used to ensure maximal protection.

Information that should be documented in

the risk treatment plan

Implementation details of the

control measures

who is responsible for implementing such measures

the schedule or timeframes for

when the control measures should

be undertaken

expected outcomes

where they will fit into the budget

how the performance of each control will

be measured

how the review process will be undertaken.

Controls Problem Action

Elimination A tree is about two metres from the court line

Removal would be the best option to avoid any serious injury.

Substitution fencing is not the required distance from playing area

Padding could be put up on the fencing that is in close proximity to the baseline of the court to reduce the chance of any injury occurring.

Engineering controls

The risk is the court surface has been manipulated with asphalt strips, trying to fill cracks.

The council filled the gaps inappropriately, so the club feels it is the council’s responsibility to deal with the consequences such as fixing what they did or laying a new surface.

Administrative controls

Tthe club does not follow established safety inspection procedures for the facility and equipment.

Club to appoint someone at the start of each season and have a criteria sheet that they mark off for evaluation.

Risk in order of priority

Control measures Responsibility Implementation

Health risk to

members due to

over exertion

• Ensure members are informed of the health risks related to over exertion during the initial induction.

• Provide a clock in the cardio area to allow members to keep track of the time they are using the machine.

• Staff members

• Manager to purchase staff to enforce its use

• at initial consultation.

• ASAP

Emergency exit

requirements and

evaluation

procedures

• Ensure areas around emergency exits are kept clear at all times.

• Develop emergency procedures for all potential scenarios.

• Staff members• Manager

• Continuously • ASAP

Injury due to

damaged or poorly

maintained

equipment

• Ensure that all equipment is in good condition including exercise and weight machines, steps, balls, bars, weights, mats. etc.)

• Ensure that equipment is serviced on a regular basis by qualified personnel as recommended by the manufacturer.

• Manager initially, then staff members to monitor

• Manager to arrange service schedule,

• Daily

• ASAP, then monthly threafter

Security risk for

staff working late

nights or early

mornings

• Install an emergency “panic button” at Reception.

• Ensure all staff are familiar with Emergency Procedures.

• Manager to arrange• Manager to provide

training drills, staff to keep up to date,

• where it can fit into the budget

• continuously.

ORAL ASSESSMENT

The six steps in the risk management process

1. Establish the context

2. Identify the risk

3. Analysis the risk

4. Evaluate the risk

5. Treat the risk

6. Monitor and review

Risks that can be

identified

Security risk of one staff

member alone at night

risk of infection

from unhygienic conditions (members not using

towel)

injury due to damaged or

poorly maintained equipment

and injury due to

improper use of machinery.

HAZARD LIKELIHOOD CONSEQUENCES

1) Injury due to improper use

of machinery

Almost certain Major; (e.g. musculoskeletal

injuries to back, neck, arms

or legs)

2) Injury due to damaged or

poorly maintained

equipment.

Likely Moderate; (e.g. cuts/bruises,

muscle sprains/strains from

seized machines.)

3) Security risk for staff

working late nights or early

mornings

Unlikely Major; (e.g. attacking, hold

up, stolen property)

4) Risk of infection from

unhygienic conditions (e.g.

sweat on gym equipment)

Moderate Minor; (e.g. first aid or

medical treatment required

to treat infection)

Risks are ranked in priority order with number one being the most critical and requiring immediate further action to control the hazard.

1. Injury due to improper use of machinery

2. Injury due to damaged or poorly maintained equipment.

3. Security risk for staff working late nights or early mornings

4. Risk of infection from unhygienic conditions (e.g. sweat on gym equipment)

Control measures developed for

each risk identified

Risk 1

All rules to be explained to

participants before an activity begins.

Safety rules to be fully explained and

enforced throughout the

session.

Warm up prior to and warm down after the activity.

Staff to be fully aware of potential dangers associated

with particular exercises.

Staff vigilance throughout the

session.

Staff training to address potential

problems.

Control measures developed for

each risk identified

Risk 2

Ensure that all equipment is in good condition

including exercise and weight machines, steps,

balls, bars, weights, mats. etc.)

Ensure that equipment is serviced on a regular basis by qualified personnel as

recommended by the manufacturer.

Conduct a weekly inspection of all exercise

equipment to ensure that it is operating properly.

Fitness organisations should have a checklist in place for what to look for

on each product.

Ensure that there is a reporting and

documentation procedure for faulty equipment.

Investigate any reports of defective equipment as

soon as possible.

Remove/disable and clearly mark any defective equipment to prevent its

use.

Control measures

developed for each risk identified

Risk 3

Install an emergency “panic

button” at Reception.

Ensure all staff are familiar with

Emergency Procedures.

Ensure all staff have ready access

to emergency contact numbers.

Control measures

developed for each risk identified

Risk 4

Provide appropriate wipe down

dispensers with disinfectant

solution.

Signage to remind members to wipe down equipment

after use.

Implement a cleaning checklist

which includes disinfecting each

piece of equipment.

Who is responsible for implementing the above control measures ?

Risk 1

• Staff members at the start of a session and before and during sessions.

Risk 2

• Manager to develop and arrange and staff members to follow daily, weekly and monthly.

Risk 3

• Manager to arrange and provide training drills, staff to keep up to date, continuously.

Risk 4

• Manager to arrange, staff members to enforce daily.

The monitor and review process is ongoing with in the fitness industry. The organisation should have regular planned review periods outlined in their policies and procedures.

The risk management process should be reapplied when:

• The residual risk has been assessed as intolerable;

• There is evidence that the risk assessment is no longer applicable;

• An injury, incident or illness occurs as a result of the hazard that the process had been deemed to address;

• There is a change in the place of work (e.g. a move to another venue), work practices (e.g. a change in the performance elements);

• There is a change to the legislative requirements relating to a particular hazard or risk;

• Whenever new information regarding work processes or products within the workplace becomes available.