Class,

Training and education should never stop no matter the age or situation. Hall defines
training as “an educational, informative, skill-development process that brings about anticipated
performance through a change in comprehension and behavior” (Hall, 2010). The end of that
definition is the best part. Without the comprehension and behavioral changes, has training, per
this definition, really happened? I have had the privilege of starting a few real-life meaningful
safety programs from scratch which have helped me better understand the purpose behind this
week’s forum. I’ll begin to implement a training regimen by first identifying all known risks,
assess those hazards, and then publish a risk management policy or letter. This policy would
detail my intent for the program, why it benefits the employees and customers, and how to
respond or mitigate all known risks. A copy of my statements and regulations would be
immediately posted in all common areas for everyone to see it. I would see this document as a
“working document” that will be updated at the least annually or earlier as needed.
Next I would appoint a risk management/safety supervisor and ensure all employees
understand their roles in risk management, as written in the current policy, within the fitness
center. The supervisor will have the authority to make risk decisions and redesign or alter my
standing policy to implement new controls as needed while overseeing the daily operations of the
facility. The supervisor will meet with all employees and the owner on a monthly basis to discuss
safety and risk management along with other company policies and concerns. Any incidents not
already discussed, assessed, and controlled will be reported at this time and an action plan or
policy will be formally introduced to mitigate future incidents at a follow-on meeting.
Supervision and communication will continue to be of equal importance and the top priorities as
they complete the framework for this program.
For every incident or risk that is reduced to a manageable level and any remaining risk,
my team and I would develop a specific emergency action plan to help control and reduce that
hazard. For example; “safety equipment that’s broken or doesn’t fulfill its protective function, or
protective gear that’s old and worn or doesn’t fit properly can become a prescription for legal
liability” (Lee, 2014) and therefor would be discard or removed from service immediately. My
ultimate goal would be to successfully eliminate any one hazard from happening. These plans
will again be written and posted in accessible areas for all to utilize. They would detail specific
preventive and corrective measures that should or will happen if an incident or near incident
should occur. The risk management/safety supervisor would be charged with executing the
training and enforcing all policies and regulations throughout the daily operation of the fitness
center.
I will use a mandatory scheduled monthly training sessions to review all written safety
policies with all employees. Each employee would sign a monthly roster showing their
attendance at each training session. Additionally, included in these sessions would be the
practical application of emergency action plans as it pertained to a simulated scenario. Each
previously identified hazard will be accompanied by its own unique checklist which will aid in
documenting the appropriate and timely response from each employee while creating a historical
reference of training. This checklist will be copied upon satisfactory completion by the employee
and filed by the supervisor. In the event of a new hire, I would implement a policy that states a
new hire would not work alone until demonstrating 100% understanding and the accurate
response documented concerning all possible mishaps. I feel like this risk management plan and
training regimen will successfully educate my employees about my fitness center’s risk
management policy and accurately emphasize the importance of providing customers a safe
environment to enjoy themselves. My documentation methods clearly annotate who was present
for training and what measured response drills were discussed and practiced. Each session can
then be thoroughly reviewed for lessons learned or historical reference.
Jim

Hall, S. A. (2010). Sport Event Safety and Security: The Importance of Training Your People.
Security: Solutions for Enterprise Security Leaders, 47(6), 66–70. Retrieved from
http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=ip&db=i3h&AN=53278897&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Lee, B. A. (2014). Consider top 10 legal issues for your athletics departments and how they
impact your risk management strategies. Campus Legal Advisor, 14(10), 4–5. Retrieved
from http://search.ebscohost.com.ezproxy1.apus.edu/login.aspx?
direct=true&AuthType=ip&db=ehh&AN=96057511&site=ehost-live&scope=site
Anthony,
I understand where you retrieved you three key aspects of risk management at and whole
heartedly agree with you choices. Are there any other steps before during or after the three that
you would implement on your own? I support your decision to review all aspects of the key
points you identified with your employees. I feel that method displays thoroughness and
dedication. By giving examples you afford your employees a chance to think outside the box and
possibly get creative. I believe that one great indication of learning occurring is being able
regurgitate the information accurately and effectively. If you employees can do this I have
complete confidence in your plan.
I have to disagree with you comprehension of the risk matrix. From my own
understanding the tool would simply help one assess the probability and severity of a mishap. It
wouldn’t necessarily display right or wrong for an employee to emulate. I do however like the
fact that you again engage your employee in practical application with the use of the risk matrix.
This will further ingrain a more complete understanding for your program and a better
appreciation for the individual hazards.
Jim
Alex,
I love that fact that you branched out a little and incorporated the fact that simple safety
concerns and small mishaps could potentially escalate into fiscal, legal, and public relation
matters. I have heard the saying before, “everyone is a safety representative” and you quickly
identified that in your post. Safety in everyone’s responsibility and I agree from top to bottom no
one is exempt. I am personally a fan of online training but have you considered that many people
dislike online training? I am an advocate because it encourages additional research and higher
involvement from the student. Good choice there. Will your only understanding of knowledge
comprehension be in the form on written/online tests? Have you considered other methods?
I am also a fan of efficient medical response drills. I have been Red Cross Instructor
certified, on multiple levels, for many years now. I wouldn’t have anything less in my own
fitness center than what you describe in your post for CPR, I would also include the AED as
most facilities will be required to have this device available. I think that this would be identified
as a mandatory education requirement in my facility as well. Would you consider implementing
any other medical training, not including legitimate emergency response, to thoroughly cover
breaks, sprains, cuts until advanced medical help as arrived?
Jim