Mastering Golf Cart Safety in the Workplace
The rising trend of golf carts use in various industries as a convenient means of transporting employees and materials around worksites has brought attention to the need for clear safety protocols. These versatile low speed vehicles (LPVs), known by different names like golf cars, carts, utility carts, or club cars, run on either gasoline or electric power. However, the absence of specific safety guidelines for golf carts has resulted in an increase of incidents associated with their usage.
In the United States, approximately 15,000 injuries per year require emergency room care from golf cart use. And the rates continue to rise according to the AOAO Journal.
An OSHA records review of recordable injuries and deaths associated with golf cart use by the Texas Department of Insurance, looked at over 130 work-related incidents resulting in citations. Of these, the most frequent causes were falling/jumping from carts (38.3%), struck/run over by cart (16.2%), collision with another vehicle or object (9.6%), and cart overturned (8.9%).” Common injuries include concussions, fractures, respiratory complications, neck injuries, and spinal injuries.”
Golf carts are typically classified as recreational vehicles used to transport individuals. Without a specific standard, OSHA relies on the General Duty Clause and references standards such as ANSI/NGCMA Z130.1-2004 to address safety and performance specification. However, if a LPV is designed or modified to haul and move materials there is potential for it to be classified as a powered industrial truck (PIT). In such case, all PIT standards would apply.
Remember, the original manufacturer or an engineering expert must approve any modifications to the original vehicle and must confirm that the modification will not adversely affect safe operations. Any alterations may change the capacity, operation, warnings, and maintenance instructions and must be documented and available.
Like any other vehicle, ensuring the safe operation of golf carts necessitates regular maintenance and inspections. Preventative maintenance performed by a qualified, trained, and authorized person following manufacturer’s guidelines should be documented and all records kept for 5 years.
Before operating a golf cart, drivers should conduct thorough inspections, checking crucial components like steering, brakes, lights, tires, fluids, and all safety features. MEMIC policyholders have access to a pre-use safety checklist by searching for the “Golf Course and Lawn Care Equipment Safety Booklet” on the MEMIC Safety Director.
Because golf cart use can result in personal injury or even death, anyone driving or riding in a cart needs to understand the hazards associated with its operation. Operators must understand the limitations of golf carts and how they differ from other forms of transport including turning, braking, and driving on uneven or inclined surfaces. Leadership should establish clear guidelines for authorizing and training drivers, auditing driver performance, and enforcing adherence to all policies.
In addition to the driver, cart passengers must understand vehicle capacity and safety rules such as remaining in their seats and keeping all limbs inside the cart.
Typically, these carts are operating around pedestrians. Marking safe driving and walking lanes, operator awareness of pedestrians, and pedestrian awareness of moving vehicles, coupled with safe operating protocols will improve the safety of everyone.
By following these guidelines and fostering a safety-oriented workplace culture, employers can create a safer environment for their employees and minimize the risks associated with using golf carts within their worksites.
MEMIC Policyholders:
- BLR – 7 minute trainer – Golf Cart Safety
- MEMIC Safety Director - Golf Course and Lawn Care Equipment Safety Booklet
