TOPIC: Employee Fitness Center

OVERVIEW: Corporations often look to provide certain additional benefits to employees as part of the overall corporate culture. One such benefit which has become increasingly popular is the company-sponsored employee fitness center. However, in providing this type of benefit, the corporation automatically assumes an additional level of risk which needs to be appropriately managed from a loss control perspective. Although it is not possible to eliminate all liability for the use of an employee fitness center, the following guidelines will certainly enhance the safety of the users and will help protect the interests of the corporation.

GENERAL GUIDELINES:

1. Require all employees desiring to use the fitness center to sign a waiver of liability form. A sample release form is attached and should be reviewed by your corporate attorney prior to being used.
2. Require all users to sign in and out of the fitness room, noting the date and time.
3. Recommend that employees do not use the fitness center alone; rather, they should always have a "buddy" to assist in the event of an emergency. If possible, equip the center with an emergency phone.
4. Post a notice indicating that the center is for employee use only, that the corporation is not responsible for any loss, damage, or theft of employees' personal property in the center, and (if applicable), that the center is not supervised and that employees should use he facility at their own risk. Also note that all employees should receive some sort of medical clearance or physician's approval before using the center for any reason.
5. Have the exercise equipment vendor provide periodic training sessions on the equipment.
6. Post pictures illustration the proper and safe use of the equipment. These can usually be provided by the equipment manufacturer or vendor.
7. Make sure the equipment is regularly inspected and that periodic maintenance is done on the equipment. Keep a log of all visual inspections and preventative and corrective maintenance procedures.