Welcome to Legacy Ridge Turfgrass Maintenance. We hope that you find our blog to be informative and please feel free to ask any questions about the golf course. We will answer them as promptly as possible.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Safety First

Apparently we have entered the monsoon season a little early this year...  We set out this morning to verticut and topdress greens and were successful until we reached #15 green, when we were stopped by lightning and rain.  We will finish the remaining greens first thing tomorrow morning assuming the inclement weather has concluded.  What is already a fairly messy process quickly can become a disaster when bad weather is thrown into the equation.   Not only that, for safety reasons we bring the crew into the shop any time there is lighting in the area, without exception.  While this throws a wrench into our plans for the day, it is a perfect opportunity to hold an impromptu safety meeting.

Most of our staff was hiding behind the camera

We typically hold safety meetings every two weeks during peak staff levels, each with a unique topic.  With our efforts this morning suspended by lightning, it was only fitting to discuss lighning safety.  We explain to all staff that we expect them to head in to the shop as soon as they see lightning and make sure any other employees are directed in as well.  Colorado is #2 in the US for lightning strikes behind only Florida, so it is very important that we take any lightning seriously.  

We have compiled information and literature relevant to all of our topics that is accessible to all staff members at any time.  Future topics include:  Equipment safety, Emergency preparedness, Back safety, Snow safety, Heat precautions, Flammables, Reclaimed Water.  Every safety meeting contains reminders of course etiquette, policies, and our PPE requirements (Personal Protective Equipment).  Ordinarily meetings are held during our morning staff meeting, or at the end of the work day, but if weather affords us a free moment, we take advantage.  Much of what we discuss is within the realm of common sense, but a refresher is always important to keep everyone sharp on our safety expectations and policies.  Thanks to Andy and D-Mu for planning and executing our safety meetings for the year.