Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) has assured gym operators in the state that it would continue to put measures in place that would help in building a safety culture and protect the fitness space.
The agency, during a recent workshop for gym operators, said that the state government has an interest in the safety of gym users, operators and all stakeholders.
Speaking at the workshop with the theme, “Essentials of safety in the fitness industry,” the Director General of the Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola, said that the engagement became imperative as more individuals were now embracing healthy lifestyle through physical exercise, which has given a boost to the fitness industry.
And this, he said, poses safety challenges to gyms and fitness centres, who are open 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, Seun Awojobi, reaffirmed the commitment of the state to the safety of its residents, stressing that the commission is working to ensure that all Gym operators in the state understand the principle and practice of safety toward fostering a safer, healthier, and more sustainable fitness industry in Lagos.
He said: “Specifically, our objectives include 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 is the urgent need to imbibe a culture of safety—one that prioritises the well-being of every individual stepping into a gym or fitness centre. Safety must become the foundation upon which fitness services are delivered, ensuring that health promotion is not inadvertently compromised by preventable hazards.”
In his presentation, CEO, Institute of Registered Exercise Professionals in Nigeria, Joel Uzamure, emphasised on the importance of hiring certified personnel at gym centres to ensure the delivery of services that promote health and safety of clients towards upholding the integrity of the profession.
CEO Bimsul Consult, Adeyinka Adebiyi, took the participants on the hazards identification and accidents prevention in Gyms.
He emphasised that with good health and safety measures, as well as routine equipment maintenance, accidents in the gym can be reduced significantly.
