Health and Safety Policy

Effective Date: 01/01/2026

Review Date: Annually

Approved By: Studio Manager / Managing Director

1. Statement of Intent

Milo and the Bull Gym is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all members, staff, contractors, and visitors. We aim to provide a safe and supportive training environment across all gym spaces and studios, in compliance with:

The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

RIDDOR 2013

COSHH Regulations 2002

We recognise that health and safety is a shared responsibility between management, employees, contractors, and members.

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Directors / Senior Management

Ensure compliance with all relevant UK legislation

Conduct and review risk assessments annually

Provide adequate resources, equipment maintenance, and staff training

Appoint a Competent Person for Health & Safety

2.2 Health & Safety Lead (Appointed Person)

Maintain accident and incident records

Ensure fire safety checks are completed

Oversee risk assessments and safe systems of work

Manage emergency procedures

2.3 Staff Responsibilities

Take reasonable care of themselves and others

Follow safe operating procedures

Report hazards, near-misses, or unsafe behaviour immediately

Maintain valid first aid and relevant training certifications

2.4 Members’ Responsibilities

Complete required health screening (PAR-Q or equivalent)

Inform staff of injuries or medical conditions

Use equipment correctly and follow staff instruction

Wear appropriate clothing and footwear

Re-rack weights and maintain safe training practices

3. Risk Assessment & Management

Comprehensive risk assessments are conducted for all training areas and reviewed annually or after significant changes.

Dynamic risk assessments are performed by coaches during sessions.

Control measures include signage, supervision, training, and maintenance schedules.

4. Studio-Specific Health & Safety Procedures

Milo and the Bull Gym includes the following training environments:

4.1 Training Studio (Main Gym Floor)

Activities:

Barbell training (squat, bench, deadlift)

Free weights and resistance training

Personal training sessions

Risks:

Dropped weights

Improper lifting technique

Slips/trips

Controls:

Mandatory induction for new members

Clear lifting platforms

Regular inspection of barbells, racks, and plates

Spotting guidance provided

Chalk management to prevent slip hazards

Maximum occupancy limits enforced

4.2 Personal Training Studio

Activities:

1:1 and small group sessions

Corrective exercise

Rehabilitation support

Risks:

Overexertion

Equipment misuse

Controls:

Individual programming based on assessment

Close supervision

Clean and disinfect equipment between sessions

4.3 Group Class Studio

Activities:

Training Classes

Reformer Pilates Classes

Risks:

Congestion

Equipment collisions

Fatigue-related injury

Controls:

Class size caps

Clearly marked workout zones

Structured warm-ups and cool-downs

Instructor demonstration of exercises

Safe spacing between participants

4.4 Functional Training Area

Equipment:

Kettlebells

Sandbags

Resistance bands

Sled tracks

Risks:

Tripping hazards

Improper equipment storage

Controls:

Equipment returned immediately after use

Sled lanes kept clear

Bands regularly inspected for wear

5. Equipment Safety & Maintenance

Daily visual inspections by staff

Weekly recorded checks

Annual servicing of major equipment

Defective equipment removed from use immediately

Maintenance log maintained

6. Fire Safety Procedures

Fire risk assessment conducted annually

Clearly marked emergency exits (kept unobstructed)

Fire extinguishers inspected annually

Fire alarm tested weekly

Evacuation assembly point clearly communicated to members

Staff trained in fire warden procedures

In the event of fire:

Activate alarm

Evacuate immediately

Do not use lifts

Proceed to assembly point

Await instruction

7. First Aid & Medical Emergencies

Qualified First Aiders on duty during all operating hours

Fully stocked first aid kits accessible

AED (Automated External Defibrillator) available on site

Emergency contact information held securely

Incident report completed for all injuries

Serious incidents reported under RIDDOR where applicable.

8. Hygiene & Infection Control

Cleaning schedule for all studios and high-touch surfaces

Antibacterial spray and wipes available

Members encouraged to wipe equipment after use

Staff follow COSHH guidance for cleaning chemicals

Good ventilation maintained

Members must not attend if experiencing contagious illness symptoms.

9. Manual Handling

Staff trained in safe lifting techniques

Team lifting required for heavy equipment movement

Trolleys used where possible

10. Safeguarding

Zero tolerance for harassment, discrimination, or bullying

Staff trained in safeguarding awareness

Concerns reported confidentially to management

11. Contractor & Visitor Safety

Contractors must provide risk assessments and insurance

Visitors must sign in and be supervised

Induction provided where necessary

12. Accident Reporting

All accidents recorded in the Accident Book

Near misses documented

Trends reviewed quarterly

13. Emergency Procedures Summary

Fire: Evacuate immediately

Medical emergency: Call 999, begin first aid

Gas leak: Evacuate, notify emergency services

Structural issue: Clear area, inform management

14. Monitoring & Review

This policy will be reviewed:

Annually

After major incidents

Following legislative updates

Following structural or operational changes