*this post written by IPIA partner Insure Fitness Group. IFG offers IPIA members $20 off their policy, providing members with coverage that costs less than $0.47 per day!

 

There are many ways to enjoy exercise and pursue a healthier future, and pole-based fitness is an excellent example of an alternative approach to staying fit. From pure fun to advanced moves, pole dancing and other pole-based fitness activities are as effective as they are enjoyable.

For pole industry businesses offering group classes, personal training, and other forms of fitness coaching, keeping your instructors and students as safe as possible is essential. Not only does this ensure that results are injury-free, but it also protects your business from potential lawsuits and legal troubles.

Maintaining a safe environment is one of the most important responsibilities of a pole dancing instructor. By employing the tips included here, you can ensure that your pole business is prepared to host students and guests safely, each and every time.

How to Create a Safe Pole Dancing Environment

General Safety Guidelines to Follow

The best place to start to create a safe pole environment is with the basics. While many of these recommendations will sound like common sense, that is exactly why they are so easy to forget and overlook. Unfortunately, it just takes one mistake to open the door to injury and other liability claims.

So, while they may seem like small things, these general safety guidelines for your pole dancing studio can have a huge impact!

• Remove clutter from the ground, especially near the poles. This includes everything from gym bags to water bottles. A single slip or trip could spell disaster.
• Create a designated area for storing personal belongings and studio equipment (such as mats).
• Regularly check the poles to ensure they are secure without wobbles or other potential issues that could escalate.

Use Liability Waivers

Whether they are long-term clients or first-time guests, having every visitor to your pole studio sign a liability waiver (IPIA post explaining liability waivers) is one of the most crucial safety tips to follow. In an ideal world, everyone would stay safe and injury-free throughout their pole dancing experience, and if they did experience an injury, they would understand the risks and accept the consequences without pursuing legal action against you and your business.

Unfortunately, this is not always the case. On the off chance that someone does get hurt or experiences loss, you need to have structures in place to protect your business and career. This is where liability waivers (Sample from IFG) come into play.

These legal documents are designed to protect you from potential claims. Each visitor who attends a class or sets foot in your pole business should sign a form that states they understand the potential risks, accept responsibility for accidents and injuries, and will follow the safety protocols you have in place.

Liability waivers can be a tremendous safeguard against many of the common accidents that occur on the premises of pole businesses.

Invest in the Right Fitness Insurance

Of all the safety tips we can offer to pole businesses, investing in pole dance instructor liability insurance is probably the most vital. A comprehensive policy that includes general liability (slip-and-fall) and professional (malpractice) insurance is absolutely essential to your long-term success.

A reputable fitness insurance company will provide the exact coverage you need. Look for a policy that includes general and professional liability insurance, protection across your teaching locations, personal injury protection, and any other coverages and perks you need to thrive.

By investing in pole dance instructor liability insurance, you can preserve your reputation, protect your assets, provide for your employees, and set yourself up for a bright future in the face of unforeseen circumstances and legal struggles.

Just be sure to follow the guidelines put forth by your insurance policy to avoid any gaps in coverage. This includes using poles that are under 13’ tall, participants staying below 12’, and liability waivers being signed by all.

Establish Rules for Students

When it’s all said and done, the responsibility of creating a safe environment is yours. However, that doesn’t mean that students can’t help contributing to a safe space with minimal risks. By establishing rules for your students, you encourage them to meet certain safety standards designed to keep them and everyone else safe.

For example, insist that they stay below 12’ on the pole. This is required by insurance companies for coverage to remain valid. You should also teach and encourage them to do basic maintenance, such as cleaning and drying their poles between uses.

Students should also be told beforehand that they must have an instructor present to spot them when they are trying new or potentially dangerous inversions. Setting expectations and educating your students about the risks of pole dancing can contribute to an environment that is as safe as possible.

Use the Right Equipment

A safe pole dancing experience is wholly dependent on the equipment being used. If your poles are not installed correctly or the crash pads are out of position, you have opened the door to serious accidents, including severe injuries.

In other words, using the right equipment is not something to take lightly. Check the poles regularly (check out this post on pole maintenance!) to ensure they are secure, use crash pads below every pole, and otherwise invest in high-quality equipment and consistent maintenance.

 

Pole is growing quickly as an industry, making safety a top priority for those starting a new business or expanding their current one. By embracing the tips included here, you can set your business up for success both now and in the future!