An evaluation of emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia: implications for policy and practice

Presentation


Sekendiz, Betul, Norton, Kevin, Keyzer, Patrick, Dietrich, Joachim, Coyle, Ian R., Jones, Veronica and Finch, Caroline. 2014. "An evaluation of emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia: implications for policy and practice." Stal, Marc, Good, Sarah and Ammann, Walter (ed.) 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC 2014): Integrative Risk Management: The Role of Science, Technology and Practice. Davos, Switzerland 24 - 28 Aug 2014 Davos, Switzerland.
Paper/Presentation Title

An evaluation of emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia: implications for policy and practice

Presentation TypePresentation
AuthorsSekendiz, Betul (Author), Norton, Kevin (Author), Keyzer, Patrick (Author), Dietrich, Joachim (Author), Coyle, Ian R. (Author), Jones, Veronica (Author) and Finch, Caroline (Author)
EditorsStal, Marc, Good, Sarah and Ammann, Walter
Journal or Proceedings TitleProceedings of the 5th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC 2014)
Number of Pages4
Year2014
Place of PublicationDavos, Switzerland
Web Address (URL) of Paperhttp://www.slideshare.net/GRFDavos/sekendizan-evaluation-of-emergency-plans-and-procedures-in-fitness-facilities-in-australiaid1187idrc2014b
Conference/Event5th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC 2014): Integrative Risk Management: The Role of Science, Technology and Practice
Event Details
5th International Disaster and Risk Conference (IDRC 2014): Integrative Risk Management: The Role of Science, Technology and Practice
Event Date
24 to end of 28 Aug 2014
Event Location
Davos, Switzerland
Abstract

In 2007-08, fitness facilities contributed $872.9 million to the Australian economy and provided savings in direct health care costs estimated up to $107.9 million through their positive impact on physical inactivity and associated diseases. In 2011-12, more than 4.3 million Australians participated in sport and physical recreation at indoor sports or fitness facilities. However, research across Queensland and in Victoria showed low compliance with emergency plans and safety practices in fitness facilities. The aim of this study was to analyse emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia. A nationwide online risk management survey of fitness professionals (n=1178, mean age=39.9), and observational audits at randomly selected regional and metropolitan fitness facilities (n=11) in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria and Queensland were conducted. The findings indicated that most of the fitness professionals (68.1%) rated the emergency evacuation plans and other emergency procedures in their facilities as extremely/very good (n=640). Yet, more than one fourth (27.4%) of fitness professionals were somewhat aware (n=152), or very unaware/not at all aware (n=49) of the emergency evacuation plans and other emergency procedures in their facilities. The observational audits showed that most of the fitness facilities did not clearly display their emergency response plans (73%, n=8), emergency evacuation procedures (55%, n=6) or emergency telephone numbers (91%, n=10). Many fitness facilities (36.4%, n=4) did not have an appropriate first aid kit accessible by all staff. Our study shows a lack of emergency preparedness in many fitness facilities in Australia. Emergency response capability is crucial for fitness facility managers to satisfy their duty of care to manage risks of medical emergencies and disasters such as fire, explosion, and floods. Our study has implications for policy development and education of fitness facility managers to improve emergency plans and procedures in fitness facilities in Australia.

Keywordsemergency preparedness; emergency response plan; fitness facilities; risk management
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020350710. Organisational behaviour
350405. Sport and leisure management
520104. Industrial and organisational psychology (incl. human factors)
Public Notes

© Global Risk Forum GRF Davos 2014. This publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without permission from the publisher, Global Risk Forum GRF Davos.

Byline AffiliationsCentral Queensland University
University of South Australia
La Trobe University
Bond University
School of Psychology and Counselling
Federation University
Institution of OriginUniversity of Southern Queensland
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