Articles

Articles on current risk management topics.

Should Health and Fitness Facilities have an Automated External Defibrillator?

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There is scientific consensus that regular exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and events. However, medical evidence suggests that vigorous physical activity can be a trigger for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) in susceptible competitive young athletes with hidden congenital abnormalities or sedentary adults with coronary heart disease. SCA is the electrical malfunction of … Read more

Have Limitations of Liability Gone too Far?

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The health and fitness industry is an important contributor to the national economy through direct and indirect savings in health care costs associated with the promotion of physical activity and exercise. Despite its important and significant role in the health and wellbeing of the general population, the standardisation of the health and fitness industry in … Read more

Risk management research at public aquatic facilities: Minimising the risk of drowning due to pre-existing medical conditions

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Swimming is one of the most popular forms of low impact sport and exercise. According to Sport Australia 2019 AusPlay national survey findings, each year approximately 15 in every 100 Australian adults aged 15 and over use aquatic facilities or clubs for swimming. Regular and appropriately designed swimming programs can offer various preventive health benefits against musculoskeletal and metabolic chronic diseases including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular. However, drowning associated with pre-existing medical conditions continues to be one of the leading causes of death and immobility.

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Effectiveness of waivers in the Australian fitness industry

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Does your fitness business require all participants to sign a waiver as part of their membership agreement? If your answer is ‘yes’, you are not alone. Research shows that ‘waivers’ are implemented by all fitness facility managers (Sekendiz et al. 2016) and are perceived to be the second most important risk management practice after ‘insurance’ (Sekendiz, 2014).

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Social media risk management strategies for fitness businesses

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The number of fitness businesses using social media websites to attract and engage with their clients has substantially increased over the last decade (1) and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic (2). While the social media websites have their own terms and conditions for user safety, data protection and privacy, it is important for … Read more

Independent contractors in the fitness industry: Are you insured?

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In a recent negligence lawsuit in Queensland, Australia, a national gym chain and its personal trainer (PT) have been sued by a client, who was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis – the rapid breakdown of seriously injured skeletal muscle tissue that can severely damage the kidneys – as a result of an excessive training session (Branco, 2017). The company argued that the PT was an independent contractor and therefore it was not responsible for the actions of the PT, nor did it owe the client a duty of care to ensure PT services at the gym were “provided with due care and skill”.

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Is your pre-exercise screening system up to date?

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In the 80s gyms were seen as the place for shiny big muscles and neon spandex gear where the bodybuilders manifested their egos. These days gyms are one of the most popular venues for exercise not only to build muscles, but mostly to improve health and fitness. Regular exercise reduces the risk of cardiovascular events. … Read more

Do you have the key to a successful risk management program in the fitness industry?

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Most recent physical activity guidelines suggest that a balanced mix of regular moderate to vigorous aerobic and weight bearing exercises are essential for our general well-being and protect ourselves from most chronic diseases (1). According to the latest report by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (2), between 2013 and 2014, 17.4% of the adult population used fitness facilities to meet their needs for physical activity, which is 2.3% higher than the previous year.

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About the author

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Hello, health and fitness professionals! Welcome to Fitness Industry Risk Management Consulting (FIRMC). My name is Dr Betul Sekendiz and I am very excited to have the opportunity to share my expertise in risk management with you through this website. I understand you may be wondering why I am so passionate about risk management in … Read more