Providing 24 hour gym access can open up many opportunities for your gym business, but in doing so, you also open your gym up to greater risk. Most 24 hour gyms have at least some unstaffed hours, meaning there won’t be any members of staff around to provide first aid or report theft, damage, assault or other unforeseen incidents.
In order to get insurance for a 24 hour gym, you must have adequate security and risk management measures in place. Implementing a solid security plan may also help reduce your insurance premiums.
Safety Tips for a 24 Hour Gym
Here are five safety tips for 24 hour gyms to help you mitigate risk and keep your staff and clients safe:
Install a reliable CCTV system
Restrict access to the premises with security challenges
Train staff on security procedures and record-keeping
Install emergency alarm buttons and phones
Ensure all gym members sign a waiver
1. Install a reliable CCTV system
It is important to install a quality CCTV system that monitors all areas that will be open during unstaffed hours including the building exterior, training areas and common spaces. This will deter members from giving non-members access. Aim to keep security video recordings for at least 30 days.
2. Restrict access to the premises with security challenges
You should install security challenges such as swipe cards, mobile phone authentication or fingerprint scanners so that only members with a key or code can access the building. You should also consider restricting access to training areas and toilets only to limit movement around the building.
3. Train staff on security procedures and record-keeping
Make sure you train your staff on all of the new security and safety measures you have put in place so that they know how to lock up, open up and help keep your gym secure.
4. Install emergency alarm buttons and phones
If someone is assaulted, has a medical emergency or something goes wrong, emergency alarm buttons and phones give members a quick way to raise the alarm and notify local authorities for assistance.
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If someone is assaulted, has a medical emergency or something goes wrong, emergency alarm buttons and phones give members a quick way to raise the alarm and notify local authorities for assistance.
Getting your clients to sign an exculpatory agreement (also known as a liability waiver) can protect your business from claims arising from negligence. A waiver needs to contain certain clauses so that your clients fully understand and acknowledge the risks. Waivers are important legal documents so it’s highly recommended to consult with a lawyer and/or gym insurance specialist when drafting your waiver forms.
If you’d like more information on the security requirements for 24 hour or unstaffed gym insurance, our specialist gym insurance brokers will be happy to have a discussion based on your needs. Give us a call on 1300 815 344 or check out our website for more information.
General Advice Warning: This advice is general and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. You should consider whether the advice is appropriate for you and your personal circumstances. Before you make any decision about whether to acquire a certain product, you should obtain and read the relevant product disclosure statement.
All information above has been provided by the author.
Adam Pile, Insurance HQ Pty Ltd, ABN 33606759228, AFSL 363610
This article originally appeared on
Gym Insurance HQ
and has been published here with permission.
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