When you go to the gym, there are plenty of injuries that you need to be aware of and take proper steps to avoid. This means handling weights correctly, ensuring that you are hydrated for your workout, not overexerting yourself, and much more. However, few people consciously think about avoiding a slip and fall injury at the gym even though these types of accidents are very common with wet floors in the locker rooms and bathrooms, or even in the workout areas. The following are just a few tips that you can follow to make sure that you are avoiding unnecessary risks of a fall while you are working out.
If you are injured at the gym due to something like a wet floor, a bunched up mat, or any other obstacle or hazard that causes you to trip, slip, and fall, then you should be in touch with an attorney as soon as possible. Working with a personal injury attorney after a slip and fall is one of the most important steps you can take in the early days following an injury. Once you are partnered with a lawyer for your case, you will be able to focus on your recovery without having to take on the additional stress of your legal case. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner you can learn more about your options.
Pay Attention To The Treadmills
Treadmills are some of the most commonly used pieces of equipment in a gym, and most times people are able to finish their run without issue. However, there are many different ways that someone can be hurt while using a treadmill if they are not careful. Make sure that you look out for slippery treads from cleaning solution, spilled water, or even someone else’s sweat (gross!). In addition to slick treads, you should look out for machines left running unattended, as well as power cords in the walkways.
Look Out For Other Peoples’ Gear
Most people leave their jackets and personal effects in their locker during their workout, but some people may decide to leave a sweatshirt and their water bottle right in the middle of the path. Others may carelessly leave weights in the walkway, or their water bottles can be laying on their side and leaking. While you are moving from one machine to another, make sure that you are aware of what is on the ground in front of you.
Make Sure Your Gym Sneakers Have Good Grips
While many of the things on this list are tips to avoid others’ bad behaviors, there are things that you can do as well. Make sure that you pay attention to the treads of your workout shoes, and replace them if they are starting to look bare or damaged. If you spend a lot of time on a treadmill, it is common for the soles of your shoes to get worn out faster than you may expect, and can lead to a slip and fall in the bathroom or on other wet tile floors.
Don’t Run In The Locker Room
If you rush into the locker room and try to turn or stop suddenly, there is a good chance that you can slip on a wet floor. People shower before or after their swim or workout and will almost certainly track water back to their locker, so if your gym doesn’t have rubber slip-resistant mats on the locker room floors, make sure that you are constantly aware of the risk of slipping and hurting yourself.
Look For Wet Floor Signs
If the bathroom has recently been cleaned, or if there is a spill in one of the workout areas, management may put out a “wet floor” sign warning you of an increased risk of a slip and fall. Paying attention to your surroundings is a good way to know whether or not you need to take extra care as you walk through a certain area, or tread lightly when you go to use the bathroom. These signs are not always put out when they should be, though, so if you fall on a wet floor and there was no sign, contact an attorney before making any decisions or signing any paperwork with the gym.
Follow The Pool Rules
If your gym has a pool, make sure that you follow the common rules such as “no running” around the edge. The pool, hot tub, and showers will inevitably lead to wet floors that can make for low friction and an increased risk of injury. If you fall because you are running around the pool, it will be difficult to prove that there was negligence on behalf of the gym while you were ignoring the posted rules. Following these rules will make for a safe and enjoyable time for you and everyone else in the area.
