PROGRAM AND SERVICE INNOVATIONS THAT WORK

5 Ways to Keep Your Facility Safe

Cultivating a safety culture can be a strategic advantage for health clubs and boutique studios.

BY JULIE KING

“The absence of a robust safety culture can lead to severe financial, reputational, and legal consequences, such as fines, increased insurance premiums, and litigation,” says Betul Sekendiz, Ph.D., chair of AUSactive’s Health & Fitness Industry Standards Council and associate dean of scholarship and associate professor at the International College of Management in Sydney, Australia.

But creating a safe environment requires more than a compliance approach that focuses solely on meeting minimum legal and regulatory requirements; it requires proactive thinking and practices that go beyond checklists.

“A proactive approach to risk management positions a business as trustworthy and strengthens member confidence, which creates a sustainable competitive edge that supports growth and retention,” she adds.

Sekendiz will be leading a session on the value of a safety culture at The HFA Show 2026 in San Diego on March 18. As a preview of her presentation, she shares five tips on creating a safety culture.

Sekendiz

Betul Sekendiz, Ph.D., will host a session on “Safety Culture First: Leading the Health and Fitness Industry Beyond Compliance,” from 2 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. on March 18 at The HFA Show 2026 in San Diego.

1. Keep Safety Policies Front and Center

Amid time pressures, staff shortages, and a tendency to prioritize the member experience over robust risk management, operators may overlook safety.

“Create policies that clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability and effective implementation,” Sekendiz says. And regularly review these policies so they don’t end up buried in a file that no one sees.

2. Make Safety a Priority When Onboarding New Members

New members should undergo pre-participation exercise screening, which may include a physical activity questionnaire, fitness assessment, session with a trainer, or physician’s clearance.

Gyms should also conduct fitness equipment orientations for all new members and provide age-appropriate programming that includes modifications and progressions to accommodate varying fitness levels.

3. Invest in Staff Safety Training

Health club and studio operators should hire certified fitness professionals and verify that they maintain their certifications. Subsidizing or offering continuing education workshops and professional development sessions on-site supports a more educated team.

“Also, deliver regular staff training on safe use of all equipment and emergency response procedures,” Sekendiz recommends.

4. Do Regular Safety Checkups

Implement a schedule for inspections and preventive maintenance of all equipment beyond the machines on the fitness floor. Use a log to document each review and report issues.

“This means actively monitoring the environment for hazards and engaging members in safe practices,” Sekendiz points out. “Day to day, it involves prioritizing well-being over shortcuts and creating a culture where safety is integral to operations rather than an afterthought.”

5. Adopt a People-First Approach

Leaders must communicate safety as a core value and encourage continuous feedback, collaborative problem-solving, and shared responsibility among staff.

“A people-first approach helps build trust and engagement, which reduces risks and injuries in the long term,” Sekendiz says. “When members and staff feel valued and supported, they’re comfortable speaking up about concerns, adhere to safety protocols, and report hazards—creating a safer environment for everyone.

“In dynamic fitness settings, a proactive safety culture is also crucial to identify warning signs early and mitigate both physical and psychosocial hazards such as fatigue, stress, or aggression that can lead to incidents that compliance on paper alone can’t prevent.”

Health & Fitness Business is a publication of

Health & Fitness Business (HFB) is the leading health and fitness industry publication. Published monthly by the Health & Fitness Association (HFA) and distributed free to the industry, HFB offers analysis of the opportunities, challenges, issues, and news that impact the industry.

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