We all know accidents do happen, but we seldom expect them to take place in a setting that is supposed to be a sanctuary of rest, relaxation and recharging. Unfortunately, as much as hotels want to create an environment that allows people to escape their problems, the hotel industry is not exempt from the potential of a mishap or a dangerous situation.
A hotel gym, for instance, can be considered a legitimate area of risk, with incidents as simple as a guest tripping over a barbell or experiencing a sprained muscle. Accidents can also result from complicated incidents, such as malfunctioning equipment, a guest not using the exercise machines properly or even more serious health issues.
According to The New York Times:
Experts say the likelihood of dying, being badly injured or contracting a serious disease as a result of a visit to a hotel gym is rare, but the potential is real. The risks include equipment-related injuries, heart attacks and a constellation of contagions, for which gyms are an ideal breeding ground.
With that in mind, Hotel Business Review reports that the hotel gym facility should “focus around the concept of risk management.” In other words, the hotel’s fitness center should be treated as high a priority as any other area of the property. It notes that:
Hotels are no strangers when it comes to liability risks. Guests are met with rules and regulations, waivers and releases to sign upon check-in all put in place to protect the hotel from risk of a potential lawsuit. Staff members are trained to constantly be on the lookout for risks throughout the facility and either take steps to eliminate the risk or inform management.
Of course, hotel insurance coverage can protect you from some events that may arise, but there are other precautions you can take to help keep your hotel gym and your guests safe.
Here are just a few:
Purchase the right equipment.
It may cost more, but the investment is well worth it. Poorly designed exercise machines and other equipment may lead to serious injury. Also, high-quality equipment may last longer and prove to be more durable, which could save on replacement costs.
Perform quality control.
Regular inspections of equipment (even on a daily basis) can help to prevent or reduce future accidents. Make sure your fitness vendors provide you with a comprehensive maintenance contract.
Invest in staff.
You may not need a full-time employee to manage your gym, but your regular staff may be needed to check into the area at regular intervals, putting equipment back where it belongs and keeping the area floor clear.
If you do hire an instructor, make sure they are properly certified and will obey all hotel safety regulations.
Post signs.
Remind guests that they need to sanitize and return the equipment after use, and to keep the floor clear. Usually, a simple posted sign serves as a good reminder.
Don’t invest in too much equipment.
It’s amazing how a good workout can result from very simple (and few) exercise equipment. Make sure your gym equipment is proportional to the space you are using. Otherwise, it’s going to be difficult for guests to move around, which can cause accidents.
Impose occupancy limits.
If your space is overcrowded, accidents are bound to happen. Post a sign limiting the number of guests who can work out at one time and monitor the space. Consider offering a waiting list.
Be clean
Have your housekeeping staff disinfect and clean the area on a regular basis throughout the day.
Make sure your guests are properly insured.
Have them sign an agreement stating that they have health insurance coverage in case of an accident.
Invest in an emergency phone system for your gym.
Show your guests that you are concerned about their welfare by utilizing an emergency phone system in your gym. A system like Kings III can ultimately reduce gym hazard issues and accidents, even if guests just use the phone to report malfunctioning equipment or safety rules not being followed. Precautions like that could save your establishment thousands of dollars in maintenance and repairs, and most importantly, prevent future accidents.
A Kings III Emergency Phone System can offer you help at the mere press of a button—no location or address need be given. Our operators are on call 365/24/7 and speak over 175 languages. The call will be recorded for event verification and incident reports, and you’ll be kept updated as to what is happening in the gym as it unfolds.
Will your guest need medical attention? If so, our Kings III operators can not only send for help but can also provide step-by-step prearrival medical instructions (including CPR) while the local emergency services team is on its way. That’s because our staff is Advanced Emergency Medical Dispatch (AEMD) certified.
Contact us to find out more about how Kings III Emergency Communications services can protect you and your guests using your fitness center.
Read our blog post on successful certificate of occupancy inspections.
