The Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) has organised a workshop to sensitise gym operators in the state about building a safety culture that would safeguard lives and protect the fitness space.
The agency stated that the workshop came as the state government reiterated its concern about the safety of gym users, operators, and all stakeholders.
Speaking at the workshop held at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, with the theme “Essentials of Safety in the Fitness Industry,” the Director-General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, explained that the engagement had become imperative as more individuals had embraced healthy lifestyles through physical exercise, boosting the fitness industry.
He noted that this growth had presented safety challenges for gyms and fitness centres, exposing them to injury risks from improper use of equipment, overcrowding, increased risk of disease transmission, and fire hazards, among others.
Mojola, who was represented by the Technical Adviser in the Commission, Mr. Seun Awojobi, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the safety of its residents.
He stressed that the commission was working to ensure that all gym operators in the state understood the principles and practices of safety, fostering a safer, healthier, and more sustainable fitness industry in Lagos.
He said, “Specifically, our objectives included raising awareness about potential safety hazards in the fitness industry, promoting adherence to global best practices and basic safety standards, instilling a culture of safety consciousness among gym operators and users, as well as strengthening the capacity of operators to identify, manage, and mitigate risks.”
“At the heart of these objectives was the urgent need to imbibe a culture of safety—one that prioritised the well-being of every individual stepping into a gym or fitness centre. Safety had to become the foundation upon which fitness services were delivered, ensuring that health promotion was not inadvertently compromised by preventable hazards.”
He also added that the Commission was developing safety guidelines and regulations tailored to the fitness industry, and it was committed to strict compliance, monitoring, and ensuring that every gym centre across the state adhered to these standards.
Various resource persons took turns to engage the participants on safety and preventive measures that could be adopted in their respective organisations.
In his presentation, CEO of the Institute of Registered Exercise Professionals in Nigeria, Mr. Joel Uzamure, spoke about the importance of hiring certified personnel at gym centres to ensure the delivery of safe and high-quality services that promoted the health and safety of clients and upheld the integrity of the profession.
Uzamure mentioned that a certified trainer was the most important person regarding safety in the gym, as they could carry out physical fitness assessments, prescribe exercises based on the assessment results, perform exercise routines, and respond swiftly during emergencies.
He also pointed out that the fitness industry was continuously evolving, with new research, techniques, and trends emerging regularly.
He urged professionals in the industry to be more committed to their craft by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops to stay updated with these developments.
Similarly, CEO of Bimsul Consult, Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi, guided the participants through hazard identification and accident prevention in gyms.
He emphasised that with proper health and safety measures, as well as routine equipment maintenance, accidents in gyms could be significantly reduced.
Mr. Thabo Petersen of i-Fitness Nigeria and Mrs. Natalie February, who joined virtually from South Africa, also highlighted the importance of equipment maintenance in the fitness industry and the need for continued education and awareness campaigns on ensuring safety at gym centres.
