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This article was published on July 22nd, 2025
At Thorneycroft Solicitors, we often see an increase in gym-related accidents as summer begins. This upward trend is typically driven by an influx of gymgoers preparing for their holidays and/or inspired by the major sporting event of the year. And while we will always commend people for improving their fitness and increasing their activity levels, we must also inform them of the possibility of injury and what they should do should they have an accident that wasn’t their fault.
If you’ve recently joined a new gym, this blog will help you understand how to exercise safely, the gym’s responsibility in maintaining a safe environment and what steps to take if you get injured.
While the gym is ultimately responsible for your safety when you’re on their premises, there are several precautions you can take to ensure your own well-being and that of others.
While inductions are not mandatory, we strongly advise participation. You’ll be entering an unfamiliar environment filled with equipment that, if misused, could cause harm. Even if you’ve been a gym member before and know your preferred exercises, an induction is highly recommended, as equipment can vary between brands and may operate differently.
You are likely to see signs, particularly in the free weights area, requesting users to re-rack their weights. While this addresses the common annoyance of selfish individuals who fail to return their weights, forcing others to search for what they need, it also highlights a significant safety concern. Discarded dumbbells and plates are easily overlooked and pose a serious tripping hazard. Similarly, leaving plates on barbells, though seemingly helpful, can be dangerous if the weight is too heavy for the next user to safely manage.
It is quite easy to put your headphones on and focus solely on yourself when completing your workout, but you need to be mindful of the space around you. If you’re working out on the floor or in the free weights area, make sure to leave enough space between yourself and others to complete your exercises safely. If you are using a machine, make sure you check that everything is in good working order and set up correctly.
It is the law that the gym should keep their members safe and prevent accidents occurring. They must do this in a number of ways.
Gym staff require thorough training to identify, assess, and mitigate potential customer risks, as they are ultimately responsible for implementing and enforcing solutions to prevent those risks. If you are working with a personal trainer, they are responsible for tailoring the workout to your ability. During one-on-one sessions, they should conduct a risk assessment of the area, ensuring equipment placement and/or surface type won’t cause injury if you fall.
Gyms are responsible for maintaining their equipment, including regular, scheduled inspections by specialist servicing contractors and removing equipment from service if it fails to meet strict manufacturer instructions. If you ever come across a piece of equipment that you’re concerned about, alert a member of staff so they can assess any potential risk.
Gyms are responsible for keeping you safe throughout their premises, not just when exercising. This includes maintaining well-lit pathways, clearly marked exits, and regularly inspecting communal areas for hazards like spills, damaged flooring, or faulty equipment.
You should always prioritise your health and well-being immediately after an accident by seeking medical attention. Make sure to retain all documents provided by medical professionals as evidence of your gym injury for your claim.
Gathering comprehensive evidence is crucial for any accident claim. We recognise that immediately after an accident, your focus may be elsewhere. However, it is vital to accurately document details as follows:
If you’ve had an accident at the gym that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation by making a gym injury claim. Our expert personal injury solicitors will assess your claim, thoroughly investigate the incident, and work to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. We’re here to guide you through every step of the process with clear, supportive advice. Call us today on 01625 503 444 or complete our simple enquiry form below to get started.
Article written by Stephen Southworth – Personal Injury Solicitor at Thorneycroft Solicitors
