Preventing injury in sport - Cambridge OCRPotential hazards in sporting facilities

Most sports facilities present their own set of hazards and safety risks. There are a number of things to consider for each type of facility.

Sports hall

• Floor well maintained and cleaned of slip hazards.
• Equipment stored safely, moved carefully and secured when being used.
• Equipment in good condition, not broken or damaged.
• Trip hazards minimised (such as dividing nets/curtains pulled back fully).

Fitness centre

• Appropriate level of supervision.
• Equipment/weights/machines well maintained and checked daily.
• Users given adequate training and safety advice, particularly with weight equipment.
• Correct hydration encouraged.
• Hygiene standards adhered to, such as wiping down equipment (affects grip).
• Slip hazards minimised, particularly in changing/shower rooms (wet floors/strewn belongings).

Playing field

• Well maintained pitches - even surface, no holes/ruts/mounds, short grass.
• Checked for debris – stones, bottles, litter.
• Equipment well maintained and secured (goalposts, nets pegged properly, corner flags).

Artificial outdoor areas

• Astroturf surface is smooth and wrinkle free, no joints/stitching visible, no bald patches.
• Adequate sand/water applied.
• Checked for debris – bottles, litter.
• Equipment well maintained and secured.
• Dividing nets in good condition and fully extended/pulled back to prevent trip hazard.
• Adequate run-out space (from stored equipment or boundary fence).

Swimming pool

• Lifeguards.
• Depth signs.
• Behaviour rules displayed and adhered to (running/shouting/bombing).
• Pool well maintained.
• Poolside well maintained and cleaned (no cracked tiles or trip or slip hazards).
• Equipment stored safely
• Changing rooms and showers well maintained and cleaned.