By Alan Achatz, CCM, CHE, and Melissa Low, CAE
From evolving member expectations to advancements in technology and operations, a lot has changed in the club industry over the past 22 years. Yet, amid all that progress, one constant has remained: the critical importance of maintaining safe and healthy workplaces. No matter how the industry shifts, the well-being of our teams continues to be the foundation of every successful club.
In 2003, the Club Management Association of America (CMAA) embarked on an alliance with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Its goal was to “provide CMAA’s members and others, including small businesses, with information, guidance, and access to training resources that will help them protect membership club employees’ health and safety including non-English or limited English speaking and youth workers. In particular, the Alliance focused on three compliance areas—hazard communication (HAZCOM), recordkeeping, respiratory protection, and landscaping and horticulture.
The Alliance produced extensive resources for club management professionals including a Twelve Steps to Safety series published in Outlook newsletter, nine Toolbox Talks for use at club employee meetings, and an online resource page on CMAA’s website.
Benchmarking the Data
It has been more than 15 years since the conclusion of the Alliance in 2009 but the workplace safety and health issues facing the club industry have not changed significantly. Looking at the available data, clubs are struggling with compliance in the same areas identified by the Alliance in 2003.
Hazard Communication, Recordkeeping, and Respiration Protection remain part of the top 10 OSHA violations at clubs.
Further, these instances mirror OSHA’s 2024 Top 10 Most Frequently Cited Standards for general industry.
Key Takeaways for Club Management Professionals Today
- Add safety training into your employee’s onboarding process. Whether your onboarding is in-person or virtually, ensure that new employees are fully briefed. Virtual training should be accompanied by in-person demonstration on any assigned machinery or equipment.
- Add safety to the agenda of every staff meeting. By continually educating your employees, you will make safety a priority, thus preventing costly incidents at your club and ensuring the well-being of your employees. Use the sidebar accompanying this article to get started.
- Reassess your club’s safety hazards regularly. What new health and safety concerns do clubs today face? Are there new hazards with the explosion of gym and health & wellness facilities? Is your club renovating? What about new requirements, like the potential for a federal heat safety standard?
Read more ideas for your club in the March/April Club Management magazine coming soon!