Sport, Fitness and Recreation
Industry Module

Sport, fitness and recreation is a growing and popular industry that attracts many young workers, offering fun and active roles in a wide range of settings.

While it can be exciting, working in this industry comes with real risks—from physical strain to working outdoors, around water, or with large animals like horses.

32.6%

Be Aware

of work-related injuries in this industry involve young workers.

That's nearly 1 in 3.
Be smart. Be the difference.

Module structure

  • 9 Sections

    Each with a quiz, followed by a fun ‘Spot the Hazard’ industry simulation.

  • 27 to 31 Minutes

    Estimated learning time

100% pass required, but don’t worry, you get unlimited attempts.

Turn your passion into a safe career.

The sport, fitness and recreation industry offers a variety of exciting career opportunities, each with its own set of workplace hazards. Activities range from organised sports and fitness to community programs and outdoor adventures.

Here are some of the common roles young people step into across the industry:

  • Fitness and personal training

    Helping people stay active and healthy in roles like fitness instructor, personal trainer, or swimming instructor.

  • Animal Handling and Equestrian Sports

    Caring for and working with animals in roles like riding coach, animal attendant, trainer, jockey, or stable hand.

  • Event and program coordination

    Organising events and activities as a community program assistant or event coordinator.

  • Sports and aquatic Centres

    Supporting the daily running of pools and sports facilities as an aquatic administrator, pool attendant, or centre staff.

  • Outdoor and adventure activities

    Leading outdoor programs and recreation activities as an outdoor instructor or recreation assistant.

  • Retail and customer service

    Assisting customers and handling front-of-house duties in sport and fitness retail or reception roles.

Statistics

Top incidents causing injuries

These are the top incidents causing injuries to young workers in the sport, fitness and recreation industry, based on a five-year average.

More health and safety hazards to keep an eye on

  • Contact with chemical or hazardous substance

  • Noise

  • Working in hot conditions

  • Electrical safety

  • Biological hazards

Source

WorkCover WA claims data (2019–20 to 2023–24p), analysed by WorkSafe WA, 2025.

Notes

  • Calculations are based on a five-year total from 2019-20 to 2023-24p.
  • Percentages are based on all incident types; totals may not sum to 100% due to rounding or overlapping categories.
  • Injuries are measured by the number of LTI/Ds (lost time injuries/diseases), defined as one or more days/shifts lost.
  • The SmartMove sports, fitness and recreation industry is classified under ANZSIC 2006 – Subdivision 91.

Build your safety smarts?

Start SmartMove to  spot hazards, and stay confident while doing what you love — whether you're coaching, lifting, leading the fun, or working with horses.