As a superintendent, you juggle many responsibilities, and the safety of your crew is right at the top of the list. Your team works around sources of hazardous energy daily, posing risks of electric shocks, entanglement, and faulty combustion engines. In fact, nearly 10% of serious accidents in the workplace are a result of the
Fall is upon us, which means the leaves are starting to change color, there’s a fresh chill in the air, and your crew is getting ready for the tree-trimming season! When the gas-powered tools come out, that’s your cue to make sure everyone is reminded of the necessary safety precautions. While they may be fun
Summer heat records are being broken across the country this year, which means it’s more important than ever to take steps to prevent heat illness in your crew. Make sure you read these essential heat safety tips from Paul Watkins, a Texan Golf Course Superintendent who’s well-versed in battling sweltering humidity and 100°+ conditions at
This year’s summer has arrived, bringing scorching temperatures and potentially hazardous weather conditions along with it. With 2023 predicted to be one of the hottest summers on record, heat safety on the golf course is paramount this season! Scott Corwin, Director of Golf Course & Landscape Maintenance at Timber Pines in Florida, shares his insights
Although golf courses are often the picture of serenity and bliss, they can also be home to some potentially dangerous wildlife. From venomous snakes to fire ants and even the occasional coyote, it’s important that golf course maintenance crews take the necessary steps to keep themselves safe and protected. Todd Dattalo, who serves as
When the golf offseason rolls around and winter approaches, it is essential for golf course maintenance crews to be aware of the potential hazards that come with colder temperatures and how to protect themselves. The safety of your team should always be a top priority, and taking the necessary steps to prepare for the season
Golf course facilities store several potentially hazardous chemicals such as pesticides, fertilizers, herbicides, and fungicides. That means when it comes to chemical safety in the workplace, there’s no such thing as an OVERreaction. Every one of your crew members, whether they work directly or indirectly, with chemicals, should be aware of the risks involved and
Did you know there are eight million lightning strikes worldwide, daily? Annually,100-200 people are killed by lightning strikes, with many more being injured. Golfers and golf course employees are at especially high risk when hazardous weather approaches. So how do you keep your crew safe from lightning strikes? We spoke to Brian Birney, CGCS, who
Working on the golf course can be incredibly rewarding for both the superintendent and the crew, but this job doesn’t come without risks! To maintain a safe, healthy workplace with consistently high morale, you must properly inform your crew on how to avoid safety hazards. Part of that process is helping your crew understand their
On the golf course, your crew works with mowers, tractors, bunker rakes, and other utility vehicles. All of these vehicles have batteries, and just like on all devices, these batteries won’t last forever. Vehicle batteries usually last a few years, depending on how well they’re cared for. However, a minor mistake like leaving a key
15 items that should be in your first aid kit Accidents can happen any day, especially in golf course maintenance. Your crew is exposed to a myriad of hazards, so first aid is an essential part of your safety program. In most circumstances, it will take more than a few minutes to get medical attention
Safety When Working Near Golfers Given that a golf course is a sporting venue as well as a place of work, it’s important to prioritize safety for both golfers and staff. Golf may seem like a safe sport but flying golf balls can cause serious injuries. There are a few things that employers can do,
One of the primary draws to golf – for both golfers and course staff – is the natural, wide-open spaces that the game takes place in. While the rolling greens and lush wilds provide an escape from bustling urban life, their idyllic expanses can hide their own dangers that Superintendents and staff need to be
Everyone is telling you to wash your hands but, are you, and your crew, washing your hands properly? If your golf course is still open or making use of skeleton staff, print this as a safety precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19. download posters RECEIVE FREE POSTERS & SAFETY TIPS to subscribe to our
The COVID-19 outbreak, which started in China has now spread to over 60 other countries around the world, the United States included. The International Health Regulations Emergency Committee officially declared the spread of the virus as a “public health emergency of international concern” on January 30, 2020. The good news is that there are ways
What happens when OSHA violations occur on your golf course? Who is to blame? Most of the time people believe that it is ALWAYS a failure of management. That Management Failed to: Develop safety policies Failed to provide safety training Failed to enforce the rules. But, what happens when you did all that and an
Gas, mist and fumes from hazardous chemicals are all contaminants that may be present at your course. Solid surfaces could also become hazardous when welded or ground. If exposed to these respiratory hazards, you and your crew can suffer dire medical consequences. The effects could be instant, or they could take years to take effect
Loud noise originating from machinery and equipment used in golf maintenance is potentially hazardous to every person exposed to it. Hearing damage could be permanent and even disabling. It also affects workplace safety because it interferes with communication and awareness of your surroundings. According to OSHA, each year 22 million employees are exposed to potentially
While they may seem small and harmless, the portable tools used in golf maintenance pose a myriad of hazards. Thus, it’s important that you and your crew are aware of the hazards and precautions needed to use gas and power tools such as string trimmers, hedge trimmers, and leaf blowers. When using these tools, your
Anytime that someone is exposed to chemicals, the first thing you should consider is protecting the eyes. The eyes are the most susceptible part of the body as they absorb chemicals much faster than the skin, leading to increased risks of chemical burn and poisoning. That’s why eye and face wash stations are so important
Ladders are indispensable in golf maintenance, so it’s very important that all employees on the team are aware of how to safely use a ladder. Most people have used a ladder at some point in their lives, however, few people know how to use a ladder safely. In fact, thousands of ladder accidents occur each
The utility vehicles used at your golf course maintenance facility might not even drive on highways or public roads, but they are required to follow certain regulations as set forth by OSHA. These vehicles may be easier to use than a regular car, yet their ease of use is what leads to so many injuries
While pesticides, insecticides, fungicides, fertilizers, nematicides and all the other substances you may use are extremely helpful in managing your golf facility, they are also dangerous. If used incorrectly, they can cause permanent damage to your crew’s health. It can take as little as a drop of a certain chemical coming in contact with the
It’s inevitable that your golf maintenance employees will receive sun exposure while at work. Extended exposure to the sun’s harmful rays can be hazardous, so it’s essential that they protect themselves, especially during the days and times when the sun is at its strongest. The following are a few safety measures that you can implement to protect your employees while they’re
How to Read the New SDS Format Safety Data Sheets (SDS), previously called MSDS, are a very important component of hazardous chemical safety. The SDS communicates chemical hazards, dangers, handling, spill control measures and more. They are essential to the safety of any golf maintenance operation handling hazardous chemicals. Employers should have an SDS for
Heat stress and heat-related illnesses are a major concern in golf maintenance, especially during the hot summer months. It’s important that you and your employees are aware of what heat stress is, how to avoid and detect it, as well as what to do in the case that someone suffers from a heat-related illness. These
Fires are among the many hazards present at golf maintenance facilities. In fact, OSHA states that a fire is the most common emergency that a business should prepare for. The correct use of a fire extinguisher is invaluable to help stop small fires, or even to clear evacuation routes in case of a large fire. We stress
Do Your Safety Cans and Handling Procedures Meet OSHA Requirements? With the amount of small gasoline powered equipment used in golf course maintenance you already know that gasoline is extremely flammable and dangerous, but do you know what all of OSHA’s requirements related to gasoline and safety cans are? And more importantly, are you in compliance with
Ear Buds & Ear Protection Loud noise originating from machinery and equipment used in golf maintenance is potentially hazardous to every person exposed to it. Hearing damage could be permanent and even disabling. It also affects workplace safety because it interferes with communication and awareness of your surroundings. According to OSHA, each year 22 million
The cold winter months are upon us, and with frost, snow, and heavy rain, there’s a lot to look out for in order to ensure the golf course maintenance crew’s safety. Cold temperatures combined with increased wind speed may lead to a variety of different conditions related to cold stress. Given that many of the
Ladders are indispensable in golf maintenance, so it’s very important that all employees on the team are aware of how to safely use a ladder. Most people have used a ladder at some point in their lives, however, few people know how to use a ladder safely. In fact, thousands of ladder accidents occur each year,
Chain saws are very powerful, and in untrained hands, they can be extremely dangerous. If a saw can cut through a tree trunk, it can cut just as easily through an arm or a leg. Thus, it’s extremely important that all employees are properly trained to use chainsaws, and that they are aware and constantly
Sign up for our newsletter here