Golf Course Risk Management: Proven Tips to Mitigate Operational Risks

The most important asset to your business is your employees. Grounds crews, hospitality workers, caddies, and food and beverage staff all play an important role in keeping operations running smoothly; however, they each face a range of risks---from slips, trips and falls to equipment-related injuries.

There are a variety of benefits to creating a safety culture at your business that prioritizes employee wellness, including:

• Drives employee engagement and productivity
• Increases employee retention
• Minimizes workers’ compensation claims
• Reduces liability exposure
• Enhances your facility’s reputation

To prioritize workplace safety at your golf course, leverage these best practices:

• Provide safety training for all employees: This should include golf course maintenance safety, equipment handling and emergency response procedures.
• Ensure proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE): Groundskeepers and maintenance staff should use PPE like gloves, safety goggles and steel-toed boots to prevent injuries.
• Implement slip, trip and fall prevention measures: Non-slip mats, clear walkways, adequate lighting and proper drainage systems can help to avoid falls.
• Establish clear procedures for heat exposure prevention: Offer your employees hydration stations and shaded break areas.
• Maintain an up-to-date first aid kit: Ensure staff are trained in CPR and first aid so they can readily respond to any emergencies with the right first aid tools on hand.

One of the easiest ways for guests and employees to get injured on the golf course is through the improper use of golf carts. Since carts are used frequently in areas shared by pedestrians, players and staff, improper conduct like speeding, distracted driving and sharp turns can quickly result in severe injuries. According to a study from the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics, more than 15,000 golf cart-related injuries resulting in emergency department visits occur each year.

To protect your employees and guests from golf cart incidents, use these strategies:

• Implement strict golf cart safety rules for employees and guests, including speed limits, safety signage and designated pathways.
• Regularly inspect and maintain golf carts to prevent mechanical failures.
• Provide training for staff on proper operation and maintenance of golf carts and maintenance vehicles.
• Clearly mark areas where golf carts, pedestrians and vehicles share space.
• Use barriers or speed bumps to prevent accidents in high-traffic areas.

Regular course and facility maintenance is essential not only for keeping up the aesthetics of your business, but for creating a safe environment. Poorly maintained areas, such as uneven walkways or overgrown vegetation, can lead to slips, trips and falls. Use these golf course maintenance safety tips to prevent serious injuries and demonstrate that your facility is effectively meeting its duty of care: 

• Regularly inspect the golf course for uneven terrain, tree hazards and potential tripping hazards and act quickly to repair issues.
• Ensure proper maintenance and storage of landscaping tools and equipment so your employees have the necessary tools on hand to correct issues.
• Implement pesticide and fertilizer safety measures to prevent chemical exposure and contamination, such as restricting access to areas during application and storing fertilizers securely.
• Maintain clear and well-lit pathways, parking lots and entrances.
• Conduct seasonal maintenance to address weather-related hazards, such as ice in winter or excessive rain runoff.

When your guests need a break from golfing, they’ll turn to your dining services for an enjoyable meal in a clean, well-managed environment. However, restaurants come with their own sets of risks — including strict food handling guidelines, the possibility of slip and fall accidents in kitchens or dining areas, and fire hazards. Use this checklist to identify and manage risks in your bars and restaurants:

• Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, including proper food storage, handling and employee hygiene.
• Train bar staff in responsible alcohol service to prevent overconsumption and liability issues.
• Install slip-resistant flooring and regularly inspect high-traffic areas for hazards.
• Conduct fire safety checks, including fire extinguisher inspections and emergency exit accessibility.
• Implement security measures, such as surveillance cameras and trained security staff, to prevent theft or altercations.

EPL lawsuits are a growing concern, with one in five civil court cases involving employment-related claims. If an employee presses charges against your business alleging violations of their legal rights, your business can incur significant legal expenses. The average cost of defending and settling an EPL case is $160,000, making it essential for golf courses and country clubs to mitigate these risks. 

To avoid costly and time-consuming EPL lawsuits, use these proven tips: 

• Develop and enforce clear policies related to hiring, discipline, promotions and terminations.
• Maintain an employee handbook outlining anti-discrimination, anti-harassment and reporting procedures.
• Provide regular training on workplace conduct and conflict resolution.
• Document all employment actions, including performance evaluations, disciplinary actions and complaints.
• Work with HR professionals and legal advisors to ensure compliance with employment laws.
• Secure an employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) policy to cover legal costs, settlements and judgments.

Strong loss control practices across your operations will safeguard your business against accidents and the frequency and severity of claims. However, if the unexpected occurs, insurance is an imperative tool to mitigate financial losses and secure your business’s continued health. 

Businesses that implement strong loss control procedures are rewarded with better insurance outcomes, including lower premiums, fewer exclusions and access to high-quality insurers. To maintain your insurability and develop a robust overall risk management strategy, leverage these best practices: 

• Review insurance policies annually to ensure adequate coverage for workers' compensation, liability and property damage.
• Implement risk management programs and employee training to qualify for premium discounts.
• Work with an insurance provider to assess risks and create proactive loss prevention strategies.
• Keep thorough incident reports and conduct regular audits to identify potential safety gaps.
• Encourage a safety-conscious workplace culture by incentivizing accident-free periods and compliance with safety policies.