Safety, environment and quality in groundskeeping

The greenkeeper works outdoors with large machines, chemical agents and nature around them. That is why safety is about your own body, the machines and protecting the environment the course is in. All three parts are part of the trade.

§Machine safety — respect for what moves

Cutters, tractors and special machines have sharp, rotating parts and can be heavy and powerful. Correct use proper protective equipment and full attention are essential. Always turn off and secure a machine before cleaning or adjusting it and drive carefully on slopes where machines can tip. Never tinker with rotating parts while running.

§Personal safety outdoors

Work is physical and takes place in all kinds of weather. Hearing protection with noisy machines, eye protection with flying stones and dust, sun protection in summer and warm, visible clothing as needed are part of everyday life. Good working postures and lifting techniques prevent wear and tear from repetitive work.

§Chemicals and environment

Fertiliser and pesticides must be handled responsibly. They must be dosed correctly, stored safely and used according to rules so they do not harm you, the aquatic environment or wildlife. The use of pesticides is regulated and there is a strong focus on using as little as possible and finding gentle alternatives.

• 01Dose fertiliser and products correctly — more is not better.
• 02Store chemicals safely and according to regulations.
• 03Protect the aquatic environment so substances are not washed out.
• 04Use personal protective equipment when handling agents.

§Environment and biodiversity

The modern greenkeeper trade is increasingly thinking about the environment. It's about saving water using less chemistry and creating space for nature and biodiversity — for example by letting parts of the area remain more wild. A course can both be a place to play sports and a habitat for plants and animals.

§Quality year-round

Quality in the trade is a track that is healthy, even and playable throughout the season. It requires planning, maintenance and attention to the small signs that tell how the grass is doing. Good care, safe work and consideration for the environment go hand in hand — one strengthens the other.

“Beware of the machine, yourself and nature — in that order there is no hierarchy.”

— Greenkeeper advisor