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Summer is quickly approaching and summertime often means increased business for country clubs and golf courses alike. While everyone appreciates an uptick in customers, this increased workload can present additional hazards to employees that may be amplified by longer hours, change in weather, and a higher number of patrons. Additionally, to address an increased workload, facilities often look to hire seasonal workers. While seasonal workers can help reduce the workload for other employees during busy times, they also may lack the experience of full time employees which can lead to accidents if seasonal workers are not trained and educated on potential job hazards. A country club is no different than any other workplace, and safety is often overlooked until accidents arise. Country clubs can present several unique exposures to employees from the proshop, restaurant, golf course, or maintenance shop. With so many different exposures, hazards can present themselves in numerous ways. Implementing the correct training and procedures can help to minimize these risks and reduce injuries.
Golf course and maintenance shop workers face a specific set of safety challenges. Some of the most common hazards when working on a golf course include: cuts from tools and equipment, debris from lawnmowers, flying golf balls, attacks by insects or vermin, and other environmental factors. The hazards may vary depending on the size of the golf course and amenities offered. Here are some ways to prevent accidents when dealing with these hazards:
- Always require employees to wear the correct PPE while performing lawn maintenance and other tasks.
- Conduct weekly or monthly safety meetings to raise awareness and keep employees alert of different safety hazards.
- Require safety training for all new employees.
- Restrict access to unauthorized equipment.
- Ensure a proper HAZCOM program is in place for all chemicals.
- Implement a heat stress program to prevent employees from heat exhaustion or dehydration. This includes allowing employees to take breaks in cooler areas, ensuring water is available, and providing employees with additional PPE to protect them from heat stress.
The restaurants and bars at these facilities present an entirely different set of hazards. Employees in this atmosphere are frequently exposed to slippery floors, hot grease, and heavy lifting. Injuries from these hazards can be minimized or possibly avoided with the correct safety protocols in place. Safety training for food service employees should be taken just as seriously as it is in other departments. Here are some ways to reduce and avoid accidents:
- Train employees on immediate spill clean-up.
- Require employees to wear slip-resistant footwear.
- Train workers on safe lifting techniques.
- Conduct training and refresher training on all kitchen equipment.
- Provide training on proper cutting procedures and knife handling.
Finally, most country clubs operate a pro shop or golf store. This presents less hazardous exposures but exposures, none the less. Employees in these departments are tasked with constant stocking and restocking of shelves that may present ergonomic hazards such as frequent bending, reaching, and lifting. Also, standing for long hours can cause back pain and soreness. The following steps can be taken to reduce these potential hazards:
- Allow breaks for sitting and stretching.
- Require or provide proper footwear.
- Provide standing-desk mats or stools if possible
- Train workers on safe lifting techniques.
These are just a few of the many potential hazards associated with working in a country club or golf course setting. Proper training and safety measures for each employee can help reduce these risks and even eliminate potential hazards. An effective safety program starts with management’s commitment to properly train and educate workers on job hazards associated with employment.
Please feel free to contact our Loss Control Department or visit the AlaCOMP Online Safety Library for more information about how you can improve your safety efforts and create a safe and healthy workplace for all employees.
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