The Australian fitness industry risk management (AFIRM) project: Building best practices
conference contribution
posted on 2018-08-15, 00:00authored byP Keyzer, J Dietrich, V Jones, K Norton, Betul Sekendiz, S Gray, C Finch
Over the past 15 years, Australians have increasingly
been utilising fitness services. While regular physical activity
can help prevent obesity, overly vigorous exercise can trigger
adverse health events. Uncertainty surrounding policies and practices
may expose staff and facilities to the risk of legal liability. The
AFIRM project was established to explore the operation of rules
and regulations for the delivery of safe fitness services. This symposium
will showcase recent research results undertaken by the
AFIRM team involving; a national online survey (n = 1178), faceto-
face interviews (n = 60) and observational audits in QLD, NSW,
VIC and SA facilities (n = 11). Implications for risk management and
injury prevention in the industry will be highlighted. Current concerns
identified by the industry relating to risk and injuries will be
discussed, insight to advance various aspects of injury prevention
offered, and discussion stimulated on the future of risk management
and injury prevention, including new tools to help mitigate
legal risk and injuries.