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5 New Year Safety and Compliance Tips for Golf Club Staff

By Catherine Rooney

14 January 2025 3 Min Read

5 New Year Safety and Compliance Tips for Golf Club Staff

As the New Year rolls in, it’s the perfect time for golf clubs to reflect on staff safety and ensure their teams are equipped to tackle the unique challenges of the coming seasons. From icy paths to springtime rush, maintaining a safe and compliant working environment for your staff is crucial – not just to meet regulations but to foster a positive workplace culture.

At Obbi, we’re all about helping clubs simplify compliance and safety processes. To kick off 2025, here are five essential tips to help your golf club staff stay safe, compliant, and ready for action.


1. Train Staff to Handle Seasonal Hazards

Winter and early spring bring unique challenges like icy pathways, slippery surfaces, and increased use of heavy equipment. Ensuring your team knows how to manage these risks is essential.

  • Actionable Tip: Schedule refresher training for staff on managing ice and frost on pathways, car parks, and high-traffic areas. Make sure everyone knows how to safely grit surfaces and spot potential hazards.
  • Bonus Tip: Regular toolbox talks can keep safety top of mind for everyone.

2. Prioritise Machinery Training and Maintenance

During the colder months, many maintenance tools (like mowers, buggies, and aeration equipment) see less use. Before the spring season kicks in, it’s vital to ensure that both staff and equipment are ready.

  • Actionable Tip: Schedule a full service for all machinery and vehicles, and provide refresher training to staff who use them. Obbi’s training tools can help you keep track of who’s certified and who needs an update!
  • Why It Matters: A well-trained team reduces accidents, prevents breakdowns, and keeps the course running smoothly.

3. Refresh Manual Handling and Lifting Practices

Staff often deal with heavy loads, whether it’s lifting turf, bags of salt, or course maintenance equipment. Improper lifting techniques are a common cause of workplace injuries – especially during busy preparation months.

  • Actionable Tip: Organise a short, practical session on safe lifting techniques for your team. Use aids like trolleys and wheelbarrows to lighten the load.
  • Why It Matters: Proper training and tools reduce the risk of injury, keeping your team safe and productive while ensuring tasks are completed efficiently.

4. Keep COSHH Compliance Up-to-Date

As chemical use ramps up for spring course preparation, ensure your team is compliant with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations.

  • Actionable Tip: Review your chemical inventory and ensure staff are trained in handling fertilisers, pesticides, and cleaning agents. Clear, up-to-date COSHH safety data sheets (SDS) should be easily accessible.
  • Why It Matters: Protecting staff from harmful exposure not only meets legal requirements but also shows your commitment to their well-being.

5. Boost Emergency Preparedness

With seasonal weather changes, it’s critical to have a robust emergency plan in place. This includes first aid, medical emergencies, and severe weather scenarios.

  • Actionable Tip: Revisit your emergency response plans with staff. Test scenarios like a medical incident on the course or responding to flooding. Ensure your team knows the location of defibrillators and how to use them.
  • Why It Matters: A well-prepared team can respond quickly and effectively in emergencies, minimising risks to staff and visitors while demonstrating your club’s commitment to safety.

Start the Year Strong with Obbi

Taking care of your staff isn’t just good practice, it’s the foundation of a successful and thriving golf club. By focusing on seasonal safety, compliance, and training, you can create a workplace where your team feels supported and valued.

At Obbi, we make it easy to manage compliance, training, and safety in one streamlined system. Why not make 2025 the year you simplify your processes and set your team up for success?

Let’s talk! Get in touch to see how Obbi can help your golf club this New Year.

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If you would like to learn more about how Obbi Golf can simplify safety, compliance and training in your club, then register for a free demo today

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