Time for a quick win!
Do you leave j-cups in the rig when not in use? If so, why?
One of the most frequent H&S risks seen in gyms is also one of the quickest and easiest to eliminate – known as a ‘quick win’. This is simply ensuring the removal and safe storage of j-cups straight after use.
J-cups pose a risk of injury as they create an additional protrusion in an otherwise level surface. As this constantly moves position, it cannot be regularly accounted for. When in use for their intended purpose (i.e. holding an Olympic bar), they are perfectly safe (assuming they have been installed correctly). However, when left in the rig after the bar is removed they present a very real hazard, particularly for children’s classes as this is commonly at head height for them (especially after being used for bench press). Other risks include catching clothing/ limbs during rig movements such as bar muscle ups, pull ups and toes-to-bar, damaging equipment, and/or creating a dangerous trajectory during missed wallball shots.
J-cups are also frequently used as foot holds for accessing pull up bars at height. This presents a greater risk to all users at lower levels as they then become a trip hazard – being of similar colour to standard gym matting they are hard to see. They also present an extra hazard during a fall of any type and can cause a significant injury if hit. Hazards at this level can also impede or obstruct evacuation routes. It is recommended they are not used for this purpose.
There is no need to leave j-cups in a rig when not in use, and it is a risk that can easily be avoided. If you have various makes of rigs, you may want to consider colour coding corresponding j-cups, and even differentiating left and right j-cups to ensure safe installation each time.