This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the safety profile and to describe the occupational safety and health programs of 12 fitness gym facilities in Zamboanga City. This was determined using a researcher-assisted checklist adopted from Fitness Australia and Risk Logic. In addition, bacterial culture and sensitivity was done to identify the presence of bacterial contaminants among five (5) selected equipment and surfaces, namely, toilet seat/handle, leg press, bench press, dumbbell and barbell. Results revealed that in general, safety features were present among fitness gym facilities as displayed by the good working condition of the equipment, as well as adequate illumination in the gym. However, several hazards were also identified particularly in areas of electrical safety and emergency management such as unlabeled main and isolating switches (91.7%) and absence of first aider (91.7%). In terms of occupational safety and health programs, several programs, policies and procedures were already in place and implemented such as safety/hygiene policies and regular safety inspection. In spite of this, all fitness gym facilities do not have an occupational safety and health policy and committee. Additionally, there were a total of nine (9) bacterial contaminants isolated among the 60 samples obtained from selected fitness gym equipment and surfaces. The bacterial contaminant present across all equipment and surfaces was Escherichia coli. Meanwhile, the bacterial contaminant with the highest number of isolates was Enterobacter cloacae (18.3%). Among all the selected equipment and surfaces, toilet seat/handle had the highest number of bacterial contaminants (77.8%). Although Staphylococcus was isolated, no S. aureus specie was detected.

Keyword: Safety profile and occupational safety Health programs of fitness Gym facilities