A severe staph infection can be life-threatening and require weeks of hospitalization. This is why commercial gyms must work very hard to ensure members are not exposed to the staph. Not taking the necessary steps for prevention opens a gym up for civil liabilities. If you are starting a gym business or run one currently, you'll want to read on to see how to mitigate this potential problem. 

Set a Thorough Cleaning Schedule

Cleaning an empty gym just at the end of the day is convenient, but the approach can be dangerous. People are coming and going in and out of the gym from open to close. Performing a proper cleaning in the late morning, late afternoon, and evening before closing is strongly recommended. Mopping the floor and wiping off equipment consistently throughout the day ensures bacteria does not remain, fester, and spread.

Clean Off Equipment After Use

Some members just love to sweat off a lot of calories on exercise. You can't really stop someone from sweating, but you should have a policy in place requiring members wipe off machines after use. Leave a towel and disinfectant bottle by the equipment. If the person does not do a good job, an attentive staff member should immediately clean things off.

Use Appropriate Cleaning Solutions and Accessories

Buying cheap detergents and cleaning solutions saves money, but doing so opens the door to liabilities. Simply going through the motions of cleaning the interior and the equipment is not enough. Anyone who gets infected due to improper or insufficient cleaning might have a strong case against the gym. Investing in industrial-grade cleaning liquids reduces the potential for both infections and lawsuits.

Additionally, make sure the staff has rubber gloves, eye goggles, and other cleaning safety accessories. Never place employees at risk for infection. You are responsible for their well-being. Mandating cleaning tasks without providing proper safety equipment is yet another liability.

Keep a Watchful Eye on Members

Certainly, you do not want any person working out when the individual is showing clear signs of a skin infection. Politely tell the person he/she cannot train and cannot return without doctor's clearance if the condition is known to be contagious. The doctor's clearance is critical because even though obvious outwards signs of an infection have healed, the condition could still be contagious. If a client has compromised the health and safety of other gym members, you may want to talk with a lawyer about your options.

While addressing such matters with a member may be a bit awkward, allowing him/her to train with a possible infectious condition could be deemed negligence. This opens the door to a civil suit. 

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