You provide it, so surely you should maintain it and take [at least some] responsibility for the equipment and the area in which it is used? Personal [private] medical insurance organised and funded by the users - that seems particularly inappropriate and rather heartless, and probably unworkable too. For example, does that include evacuation from your off-shore vessel? That seems to be something that you cannot possibly turn away from and should take an active part in, not simply hand it over to an insurer who may then expect to do things in a way that is not your own way. But you are not paying for the medical assistance, so how can you lay down rules and simply stand back from it all? With those issues alone, it really seems like you have no real regard for your staff. Take the easy route and just take away the equipment, though I guess you still want them to stay fit to help you toward a nice healthy profit!

Most disclaimers are not worth the paper they are written on, you cannot disclaim away the liability you owe to another as the provider of premises and equipment. As an employer the same rules apply to the gym equipment as to any other work equipment - it must be fit for purpose. Meanwhile, some sensible and proportionate user rules and guidance is not inappropriate, but not including personal insurance, etc.

Sympathies, Thomo - I see where you're coming from. You really want the facility to remain available, but want to be sure you've done the right thing from a safety point of view. You can't sign away your responsibilities so you need to find ways to comply. One of the main things you'll need to do is show people how to use the equipment, and have some kind of inspection / maintenance system in place. This is a good thing though, cos if you don't give instruction you'll only get people who already understand gym equipment using it and none of us fatties will feel welcome (which is probably the opposite of your goal!). Why not identify and designate some experienced people, get them together with the manufacturer's / suppliers input and agree a gym induction to be given by them to anyone using the equipment (instead of your liability disclaimer) - enough designated people so that there's always at least one on board. Pay these people something extra, or swing something else their way, and get them to carry out regular checks on the kit. The manufacturers should be able to supply you with safe usage instructions. You might find that there are annual / monthly / whatever maintenance tasks that need some training to carry out, but better to find that out now by asking than in court after someone is injured. I have no experience with offshore situations or even gyms (not even sure whether your stuff is under PUWER or not, and it's too late to start checking!), the above is only a suggestion for questions to ask. Good luck

We have a gym, and it was expected that I do the induction....!!! Not any more, they now get a sheet not a disclaimer but an 'induction sheet' with some stuff for users to think about prior to use, happy to send across if it helps.

Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 section 2: • You can’t exclude liability for personal injury or death which results from your negligence. • Exemption clauses have to be reasonable. If the court thinks the term in question is unreasonable, that term will be void. • You can’t exclude liability for defective goods supplied to a consumer (that is, a non-business user).

Thomo Maybe if you could show the link between maintaining health and fitness and reduction in the sickness/absence rates...may help to squeeze some maintenance bits for the kit. Talk to your medic for some help in getting a well person bit around the fitness kit...there will be lots of justification around cardiovascular..put some instructions together as suggested already and maybe try and get them either to sign they have read it or something of that ilk.. Hope this helps..:)