Safety Training for Golf Courses

Golf courses must implement safety programs to keep their workers protected from various hazards.

Golf courses present a host of hazards that can cause injury to workers. From lawn mowers to fertilizers, workers should be trained in the proper handling, care and maintenance of all equipment and chemicals located on the property.

Personal Protection Equipment

Workers at a golf course should be trained in the use of personal protection equipment (PPE). PPE should encompass gloves, eye and ear protection, head protection and steel toe boots, where applicable.

Equipment Safety Features

Golf course employees should be required to use all safety features present on equipment and be well-versed in the reasons for its presence. All riding lawn mowers should have a roll over protective structure, which consists of a cab or bar that protects the driver should the equipment roll over. Additionally, cages should be used when picking up balls on the driving range. The cage that surrounds the ball picker on the driving range protects the driver from being struck while picking range balls.

First Aid Training and Availability

Workers should be trained in the use of first aid and made aware of the location of all first aid supplies. The golf course should ensure that an employee trained in first aid be on-site at all times to administer first aid as needed.

References

• Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island: Guide to Workplace Safety for Golf Courses and Groundskeeping