Posted By CFT Jayne More complex that you might first imagine. There was a recent case in either HSW or SHP that reported a particularly nasty accident on an exercise bicycle; it was proven that maintenance or selection of equipment was poor at best. That aside, there have been a couple of threads over the last 12 months that covered your very question; have a search. Sorry I don't have the time right now to find teh links. CFT

Posted By James365 I've assisted a few firms who make this provision for staff, and it's never a straightforward proposition. Things to consider include: - Users - how is people's fitness for use of the equipment appraised, and what information, instruction and training are they given? If questionnaires are used, who designs and interprets it, and what happens if someone reports they have a medical condition - what is relevant? Who supervises the users, and what's to stop the pencil necked new-guy from the IT dept. crushing himself on a weights bench, for example, in his attempt to impress the fat lass from accounts with his physical prowess? (i'm using humour to illustrate a very real concern here) - Competency - both of any personnel with supervisory responsibilities and of users of equipment - who trains them in the safe use of gym equipment in the workplace? There is a Register of Exercise Professionals (google it) who accredit related qualifications. Would your company consider providing someone with this training? - Equipment - How is it to be maintained in safe working order? This would typically require a formal inspection regime with written records. - Lone workers - at its simplest, employees using the gym on their own is a no-no. How is this to be managed and controlled? - Hygiene - eeeew! These are only some of the points to consider, normally via your risk assessments, and reading it back it comes across as a bit "conkers bonkers". But the risks from using fitness equipment unsafely, no matter how well intentioned it may be, are significant. Good luck!

Posted By JayneAnne Ridgway Many thanks to you all for your comments, they have been most useful.

Posted By Dr. Andrew Rankine My earlier comments were aimed at what are usually perceived (at first sight at least) to represent the greatest risks: the nasty big clanky machines. Students pay nowt for membership, and staff pay about £75 per annum (which I think you'll agree is a pretty good deal) Of course there are other hazards. Like any building with showers, legionella has to be tested for; people have to be trained to use free weights etc. safely; each machine has a rule that if you soil it, you clean it. But overall as a community this all works as well as could be expected. I'm not suggesting that there are no risks in any of this, and yes there are lots of university staff on the premises - like any local authority run sports centre - but compared to our 13000 item inventory of chemicals, the nuclear reactor, the traffic on campus, the >500 contractors employees on site causing general mayhem, the gym hazards are well understood and controlled, and ultimately pose one of the least of my professional worries.

Posted By Peter Taylor14 CFT has just got the hump, your right andrew not the problem they like to make it

Posted By CFT Dr Andrew On the comparisons in your response I can do little other than to agree with your sentiments; not everyone however is involved in a multi disciplined environment such as a University and making provision in a company for health and well being may well be a daunting task for the individual, and on this latter basis alone, I just wanted to be clear that there was just a little bit more to providing a fitness centre for staff use than one may first imagine. As with many industries, prioritisation is of course relative to the required demands placed upon the individual or team, and I take my hat off to you for the clear demands you must be required to control each and every day! By the way, the website indicates a charge is made for membership to all students both full and part-time, perhaps it is incorrect, perhaps I mis-read it; it was asterisked but no link was included. With much respect for your position Andrew. And no Peter, I do not have a camels back;-) Jayne; no falling out at all with Andrew, only respect, and certainly not with Peter for suggesting I have the 'hump' (note to self, must check in mirror to see if I resemble Quasi Modo;-) CFT

Posted By JayneAnne Ridgway CFT You have made me laugh out load, re. your comment "Note to Self" re look in mirror regarding resemblence to Quasi Moido..... you obviously have a good sense of humour Many thanks to you all for your comments, whether they be good, bad or ugly! Have a good weekend (when it arrives) and for those of you that attend a gym - take care