Health & Safety Issues With David Kirk

Sep 4 2008 The Journal

In today's ever-changing world we are at risk from many areas. You only have to read the tabloid press to see how the media interpret health and safety. The majority of stories are myths, which the HSE frequently negate, yet the press never report such incidents.

A typical myth is that of children being prevented from playing conkers in the school play ground; another is a local authority refusing to display hanging baskets in their area.

Both of these are absolutely ridiculous, yet on the fairway it is apparent that many risks are encountered, yet, are dismissed with such frivolity as the two myths mentioned above.

A simple information pack from the HSE highlighting the five steps to risk assessments is readily available free. One of the major points is to identify the risk.

What are the risks on the fairway?

From visiting several courses it is apparent that the risks are similar throughout the country, whether it is a links course or a parkland course.

Some of those risks are:

Being struck by a wayward ball;

Being knocked over by a travelling buggy;

Falling from or being inside an overturned buggy;

Any slip, trip or fall, often associated with inclement weather;

Falling into a lake or other water environment;

Contamination from chemicals sprayed on to the fairway or greens.

The list is not exhaustive. Clubs should have in place a risk assessment for all eventualities and the management committee should carry out frequent audits of the fairways and greens to ascertain their level of compliancy.

Clubs have a "Duty of Care" to members, visitors and the public. This duty of care is both subjective and objective. Club members also have the same duty of care to act responsibly, professionally and reasonably when playing.

And members have a duty to inform the responsible member of any concerns, problems or hazards that they may encounter when completing the 18 holes.

The risk assessment should be recorded and available to relevant personnel who may be affected. The assessment will also take in adjoining properties and businesses.

You can contact me with any specific queries at: david@safepatuk.co.uk

Next month's article will look at the safety of grass cutting machinery and associated equipment.