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Does Your Insurance Protection
tant, you hold a professional designa- tion and owe a higher duty of care to those to whom you provide services. If a legal action is brought against you and you don’t have professional liabil- ity insurance, you may find your per- sonal assets at risk.
Fit?
P
BY TRACEY MEDEIROS
rofessional liability insur- ance is a must for fitness professionals. As a personal fitness trainer, group fitness instructor or fitness consul-
serious issues such as fractures and seizures. Professional liability insurance pro-
tects you from claims made against you stemming from alleged negligent acts. Itprovides protection of your personal assets by providing coverage for the fi- nancial consequences of the claim.
What is professional liability insurance and why do you need it?
As a fitness professional, your clients depend on your expert advice and knowledge to help them become fit and healthy without injury. Despite a cautious approach, there
may be times when injury cannot be avoided. Claims can range from back problems, to pulled muscles, to more
How can you reduce your risk?
Have all clients sign a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) and a waiver. Request that clients undergo a
medical examination by their physi- cians, and provide them with a health questionnaire to be signed by their physicians. Conduct a fitness appraisal in the
initial session, and discuss the results with your clients. Provide an exercise program that is appropriate for your client’s fitness level.
Ensure your equipment is well-
maintained and that exercise areas are clear of obstructions.
Should your employer provide your insurance?
If you are an employed at a fitness club, your employer may carry insur- ance to cover you for your profession- al activities within the club. Check to confirm that coverage is in place and for what activities. If you take on private clients outside
of the club, you will not be protected by the club insurance and you will need to purchase your own coverage. FBC
Tracey Medeiros is the director of commer- cial insurance and claims for Stevenson & Hunt Insurance Brokers and has over 20 years insur- ance experience in the brokerage and insur- ance company sides of the industry. For more information, call 800-265-5956 or visit www.sthunt.com.
January/February 2009 Fitness Business Canada 35
Fitness pros must understand the answers to these three key insurance questions.
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