Protecting the Players: Essential OHSE Guidelines for Sports Facilities

OHSE Guidelines for Sports Facilities are not just recommendations—they are a critical framework for ensuring the safety, health, and environmental responsibility of any sports venue.

From local gymnasiums to world-class stadiums, these facilities host high-energy activities and large crowds, which bring inherent risks to athletes, staff, and spectators alike.

Implementing proper Occupational Health, Safety, and Environmental (OHSE) strategies can help prevent accidents, ensure legal compliance, and create a culture of well-being in sports environments.

Understanding the Scope of OHSE in Sports Facilities

Sports facilities encompass a wide range of environments, including football fields, swimming pools, ice rinks, gyms, and indoor arenas. Each type has its own hazards, yet they all share a need for robust OHSE frameworks that address physical safety, chemical handling, air quality, emergency response, and environmental sustainability.

For example, while a football stadium may focus on crowd management and field maintenance, an indoor sports center must also address ventilation and equipment sanitization. Regardless of size, every facility needs an OHSE plan tailored to its specific risks.

Key OHSE Risks in Sports Facilities

1. Injuries from Physical Activity and Equipment

The nature of sports involves physical exertion and contact, which can lead to:

• Sprains, fractures, and concussions
• Injuries from poorly maintained or defective equipment
• Slips and falls on wet or uneven surfaces

Routine inspections and maintenance of sports gear and play areas are essential to minimize these risks.

2. Crowd and Spectator Safety

Large gatherings can lead to overcrowding, aggressive behavior, or panic during emergencies. Stadiums must enforce:

• Clear signage and crowd flow design
• Trained security personnel and emergency evacuation plans
• Safe seating structures and non-slip stairs

The Hillsborough disaster in the UK is a stark reminder of what happens when crowd safety is neglected.

3. Poor Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation

Indoor sports centers often struggle with:

• Carbon dioxide buildup in poorly ventilated gyms
• Chlorine exposure from improperly treated pools
• Mold or allergens in damp locker rooms

HVAC systems should be regularly maintained, and air quality should be monitored to meet ASHRAE standards (DoFollow).

4. Chemical and Cleaning Agent Exposure

Disinfectants, pool chemicals, and ice rink refrigerants can pose respiratory or skin hazards if not handled properly.

Staff should:

• Use PPE like gloves and goggles
• Be trained in safe chemical handling
• Store chemicals according to WHMIS and OSHA guidelines

Refer to CCOHS chemical safety resources (DoFollow) for detailed guidance.

5. Environmental Hazards

Sports facilities consume large amounts of water and electricity and generate waste. Environmental risks include:

• Improper waste disposal
• Energy inefficiencies
• Water pollution from cleaning or turf maintenance

Sustainable practices not only protect the environment but can reduce operational costs.

Implementing OHSE Guidelines in Sports Facilities

Comprehensive Risk Assessments

Before any safety system is implemented, a facility must:

• Conduct a full hazard identification audit
• Evaluate risks based on likelihood and severity
• Document findings and assign responsibility

This step is vital for tailoring OHSE strategies to the unique layout and use of each facility.

Regular Training for Staff and Coaches

All personnel, from custodians to coaches, should receive OHSE training on:

• Emergency procedures
• First aid and CPR
• Fire safety and chemical handling
• Concussion recognition and response

This training should be updated annually and when new equipment or procedures are introduced.

Maintenance and Inspection Schedules

Consistent inspection of:

• Playing surfaces (e.g., turf, courts, ice)
• Safety nets, fences, and scoreboards
• Electrical systems and fire suppression equipment

Digital checklists and automated reminders help ensure no inspections are missed.

Emergency Preparedness

Each facility must have:

• Clearly marked and accessible emergency exits
• Fire extinguishers, alarms, and AEDs
• An up-to-date emergency response plan including contact info for local EMS

Drills should be conducted regularly, especially before major events.

Promoting a Culture of Safety in Sports

A strong OHSE program isn’t only about compliance—it’s about building a culture where every participant, coach, and visitor feels safe and respected. This means:

• Encouraging athletes to report unsafe conditions
• Empowering employees to pause activities they believe are hazardous
• Displaying visible safety signage and messages around the facility

Tools like digital safety dashboards or safety briefings at the start of every shift or game can reinforce these values.

Case Example: OHSE in a Community Sports Complex

A local sports center in Toronto implemented a full OHSE overhaul. Key actions included:

• Replacing outdated gym equipment
• Installing carbon monoxide detectors in the ice rink
• Introducing mandatory staff safety certifications
• Switching to eco-friendly cleaning products

As a result, incident reports dropped by 40%, and customer satisfaction improved significantly. This highlights how practical OHSE implementation delivers real-world benefits.

Internal and External Resources

Internal checklists, incident logs, and audit trails are essential for safety accountability. But sports facility managers should also leverage:

• External safety consultants
• Government safety portals (e.g., OHSE.ca, WorkSafeBC, and OSHA)
• Equipment manufacturer guidelines for maintenance and inspection

These resources ensure up-to-date compliance and introduce new safety innovations.

Final Thoughts on OHSE Guidelines for Sports Facilities

OHSE Guidelines for Sports Facilities form the backbone of a healthy and sustainable sports environment. They ensure not only that athletes perform at their best but also that staff and spectators are safe and protected.

By addressing everything from injury prevention and air quality to chemical handling and emergency response, sports facilities can turn safety into a competitive advantage.