Top 10 loss prevention activities for health clubs

Hanover Insurance shares your interest in preventing accidents or injuries and would like to share this list of loss prevention ideas. Implementing them would require a small amount of time and could prove extremely effective in reducing the potential for an undesired event. These items reflect real, large losses that other policyholders have suffered. Visit our Risk Solutions page to find documentation tools, inspection guides and other bulletins to further assist you with these activities.

1. Certificates of insurance

All contractors who work at your facility should have workers’ compensation and general liability insurance. Providing current Certificates of Insurance should be required of all workers.

2. Applicant/member waivers

Include properly worded waivers in your member applications, youth sports camp applications and special event applications. Legal counsel should review the wording.

3. Sauna safety

Post an appropriate medical warning sign at the sauna’s entrance. Prohibit placement of towels, clothing or other combustibles on sauna heaters. Install a sauna timer to inform users of elapsed time. Check saunas regularly while club is open and then at closing.

4. Keep your club’s equipment fit

Check equipment on a schedule recommended by the manufacturer. Repair where needed. Train all club members in proper use of equipment. Document training in individual member files. Note if training is declined. Require regular sanitation of equipment contact surfaces.

5. Immediate investigation and response

Whenever a club member reports an incident involving equipment, club conditions or physical injury, take immediate action that includes investigation, documentation and corrective action.

6. CORI/SORI checks

Criminal Offender Record Information/ Sex Offender Registry Information checks should be conducted at the time of hire for any staff member that could interact with persons younger than 18 years old. Child to staff ratio should be 5 to 1 maximum if you offer babysitting services.

7. Air supported structure safety

If you operate an air supported ‘bubble building’, have it inspected by an authorized manufacturer’s representative at least every two years. Immediately repair any damage. Prepare for snowstorms in advance and follow manufacturer procedures for snow removal. Put air handlers, heating systems and emergency generators on a maintenance schedule recommended by the manufacturer.

8. Inspect enclosed water piping before cold weather arrives

Look for fire sprinklers and water pipes above ceilings, in closets, or along exterior walls that may need better insulation, higher temperatures or special maintenance to prevent freezing.

9. Ice and snow removal log

Workers spend time and effort keeping people safe from falls by clearing snow and ice from sidewalks and parking areas. After the shoveling and salting is done, take a minute to document what they did and when they did it. This can greatly improve your defense position in the event of a slip and fall injury.

10. Hot work programs

Anyone performing ‘hot work’ (e.g., a welder or plumber) should operate under a hot work permit system that includes a fire watch after the work is completed.

To learn more about Hanover Risk Solutions, visit hanoverrisksolutions.com

The recommendation(s), advice and contents of this material are provided for informational purposes only and do not purport to address every possible legal obligation, hazard, code violation, loss potential or exception to good practice. The Hanover Insurance Company and its affiliates and subsidiaries ("The Hanover") specifically disclaim any warranty or representation that acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein will make any premises, property or operation safe or in compliance with any law or regulation. Under no circumstances should this material or your acceptance of any recommendations or advice contained herein be construed as establishing the existence or availability of any insurance coverage with The Hanover. By providing this information to you, The Hanover does not assume (and specifically disclaims) any duty, undertaking or responsibility to you. The decision to accept or implement any recommendation(s) or advice contained in this material must be made by you.