Rate it
Rate each hazard by likelihood and consequence, before and after your controls.
FREE RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE
Gym risk assessment template: identify hazards, rate the risk and record controls.
A three-page template built around the four steps Safe Work Australia describes: identify hazards, assess risks, control risks and review controls. It includes a colour-coded risk matrix, the hierarchy of controls and 14 common gym hazards ready to assess.
By Callan, ClubPilot · Updated
Free PDF · Print and adapt · No sign-up required
- Risk matrix from Low to Extreme
- Hierarchy of controls with gym examples
- 14 common gym hazards plus blank rows
AT A GLANCE
Built around accountable follow-through.
Control it
Choose the most effective control you reasonably can, from removing the hazard to protective equipment.
Review it
Set a review date, and reassess after incidents, changes or new hazards.
HAZARDS INCLUDED
Start with the hazards most gyms share.
Each is printed as a prompt. Assess the ones that apply to your club and add your own.
- Treadmill falls and entanglement
- Dropped free weights and plates left on the floor
- Cable, pin or pulley failure
- Slips at the entry, in change rooms and near drink stations
- Medical emergencies when no staff are on site
- Manual handling of equipment and deliveries
- Electrical equipment, leads and powerboards
- Overcrowding, heat and poor ventilation
- Security, aggression and staff working alone
- Cleaning chemicals
WHY DOCUMENT IT
Proof if something goes wrong.
The AUSactive Code of Practice asks fitness businesses to regularly conduct and document risk assessments of their facilities, services and equipment. A dated, reviewed assessment also shows an insurer, franchisor or regulator what you knew and what you did about it.
Gym compliance software
Keep recurring safety servicing on schedule with evidence, and turn findings into owned tasks, across every club in ClubPilot.
Open pageSTRAIGHT ANSWERS
Gym risk assessment template: questions worth asking.
How often should a gym do a risk assessment?
Review it on a regular schedule you set, and whenever something changes: after an incident or near miss, when you add equipment or change the layout, hours or staffing, or when someone reports a new hazard.
Who should complete it?
The manager responsible for the club, in consultation with staff. Use qualified advice for specialist equipment, electrical, plant and building risks.
What is the hierarchy of controls?
A ranking of ways to manage risk from most to least effective: eliminate the hazard, substitute something safer, isolate people from it, use engineering controls, then administrative controls, then personal protective equipment.
Is this WHS or legal advice?
No. It is a general starting point. Your state's WHS regulator and qualified advisers decide what your business must do.
FREE RESOURCES
More free gym operations guides
Gym incident report form
Record what happened, the first aid given, witnesses, notification and corrective actions. Free PDF
Gym emergency plan template
Contacts, roles and procedures for evacuation, medical emergencies and unstaffed hours. Free PDF
Gym first aid kit and AED checklist
Kit and defibrillator checks with a 12-month log. Free PDF
New gym manager first 30 days plan
Help a new manager learn the club, establish responsibilities and agree priorities before changing routines. Use weekly checkpoints with the area manager to turn observations into practical actions. Free PDF
Gym member feedback follow-up template
Give each feedback item a response owner, due date and closure check. Keep sensitive member information in your approved member system and use references here. Free PDF
Gym petty cash reconciliation template
Record the opening float, approved additions, receipt-backed spending and counted closing cash. Investigate differences before sign-off. This is an operational record, not tax advice. Free PDF
A PRACTICAL NEXT STEP
Keep risk reviews on schedule across every club.
ClubPilot turns recurring safety reviews into assigned work with evidence, and turns failed checks into tracked actions.