Correct wording for a notice in office gym regarding liability.

[mckenzie]

DH has put a gym in at work and needs to put a notice up stating hte staff use it at their own risk and the compnay will not be liable. We really need to make sure the notice is worded correctly. Does anyone have any knowldge please of what it should say?

TvmIA

my initial thoughts are that it doesn't matter what the sign says he will be liable.

he should really consult either a union or a company solicitor.

might be worth ringing ACAS

He needs a solicitor I'd say. Can't imagine he wouldn't be liable. Has he spoken to his insurance provider?

HSE website you can phone and speak to an adviser, I'm sure they will have come across this type of thing before and will know more. Really don't think he will be able to put a sign up to remove liability in the case of accidents, although this is not my area at all.

You need to speak to whoever provides your insurance cover and they will tell you what would be acceptable. However, I would be surprised if he will be able to remove all liability for injury, regardless of whatever notice he puts up.

thank you for all the replies. DH has put a gym in his office building with the permission of his landlord (who his building insurance is with). His contents insurance is separate. He has asked his staff to sign a Par-Q form before using the gym and has offered everybody an induction session (for those unfamiliar with the equipment etc).

Can he get them all to sign a form saying that take responsibility or do you think that will be worthless too?

TIA again and I will check out the websites given - thank you

It's his employer liability insurance he needs to think about, not buildings or contents.

Not my area of expertise but I believe that you can't exclude liability for personal injury as the occupier of the premises. Best thing would be for him to get some legal guidance - perhaps a small business adviser would be able to point him in the right direction if they couldn't help with the best wording to minimise any liability?

thanks guys. Flowery - that website was very helpful and I will contact them on monday. I have also given DH your website address - he doesn't have a full time HR person at all, does most of it himself but as the company is growing it's getting tough. I think he could do with your company!

Thank you mckenzie