Are you equipped from head to turf?

We take a look at the importance of workwear selection, health and safety considerations and EN standards relevant to turfcare.

When working outside - especially for prolonged periods - extreme temperatures (both high and low) pose significant health and safety risks. While the UK HSE does not set legal maximum or minimum working temperatures, it does require employers to ensure “reasonable” conditions and protect workers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

The weather can have a serious impact on your teams health if the risks have not been properly managed. This impact may be immediate or occur over a longer time.

The weather can also affect a worker’s ability to keep safe, for example when handling machinery.

Assessing the risks

Under the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, employers must:

• assess the risks to workers
• put controls in place to protect them

Temperature in the workplace is one of the risks you should assess, whether the work is being done indoors or outdoors.

There are simple actions you can take to protect people working outdoors.

Cold environments

• Ensure the personal protective equipment issued is appropriate
• Provide mobile facilities for warming up, and soup or hot drinks
• Introduce more frequent rest breaks
• Make sure workers can recognise the early symptoms of cold stress, such as a cough or body aches

Hot environments

• Provide more frequent rest breaks and introduce shading to rest areas
• Provide free access to cool drinking water
• Encourage workers to remove PPE when resting to help encourage heat loss
• Make sure workers can recognise the early symptoms of heat stress

Working in the sun

Too much sunlight can cause skin damage including sunburn, blistering and skin ageing.

In the long term, it can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer.

BIGGA viewpoint

The BIGGA team plays a crucial role in supporting and advancing the interests of its members and the wider golf course management industry. We asked for their advice and guidance for members on this subject.

Jim Croxton, BIGGA Chief Executive, said: “Unfortunately, some of our members still face a lack of willingness from their employers to invest in suitable work uniform, equipment and PPE. Incredibly, some employers are still failing to meet their statutory requirements under legislation such as the Health and Safety at Work Act and the PPE Regulations. Clubs are legally and morally obliged to provide appropriate equipment for safety around machinery and in relation to working outdoors in all climates, whether that be footwear, waterproofs, warm clothing or sun protection. In the event of an accident, the employer may be at severe risk of prosecution due to these failings.”

“Clearly, safety and statutory requirements are paramount, but the right equipment also improves efficiency and productivity, and has a major impact on staff retention and morale. At the same time, poor provision reflects badly on the employer. If employers expect our members to deliver immaculate course conditions, they need to be resourced like the professionals that they are.”

Scott Reeves, BIGGA Head of Membership, added: “We know that the standard of welfare areas and workwear varies greatly between clubs, and having managed teams of greenkeepers, I have experienced first-hand the difference that good equipment can make to team morale.”

“During a time in which the retention and recruitment of good greenkeepers is difficult, there is a huge opportunity for golf clubs to make themselves a much more attractive employer. At BIGGA, we regularly see that the happiest and most productive teams are those where clubs do not just provide the bare minimum but take member welfare very seriously. Our message to employers is simple: a happy greenkeeping team means a great golf course.”

GMA statement

The Grounds Management Association (GMA) wholly advocates and encourages anyone working in the grounds industry to operate in a safe and professional manner - protecting not only themselves, but also colleagues and members of the public.

As part of this, appropriate workwear and Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) should be worn at all times, in line with current health and safety legislation and guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

This includes ensuring clothing and equipment is well-maintained and fit for purpose with high-visibility gear, protective footwear, hearing protection and weather-appropriate clothing forming the basics of good practice on site.

The GMA’s training and qualifications embed these standards throughout, and the Grounds Management Framework (GMF) sets out clear expectations around health and safety at every level. We also provide non-site-specific risk assessments to support safe working across a wide range of grounds tasks.

From function to identity

Workwear might not always be at the forefront of conversations in turfcare, but it plays a crucial role in the daily lives of greenkeeping teams. From safety to comfort to professional identity, what we wear matters. We spoke with Dave Taylor, Course Manager at The Bristol Golf Club, to hear his thoughts on the importance of workwear, evolving standards in the industry and how clothing ties into staff wellbeing and performance.

What workwear do you currently provide for your staff?

As a basic standard, we provide everything from the ground up. That includes trainer boots, high-top boots and longer-leg boots. We offer different variations because people have their own preferences for comfort and support.

We supply trousers and shorts, polo shirts for both winter and summer, jackets and essential safety gear like eye and ear protection. We also provide gloves and noise-reducing headphones. I often tell the team: we’ll supply everything except underwear and socks. It’s important they have enough uniform for those weeks spent working in wet and muddy conditions. That really should be a standard across the industry.

If we have spare uniform available, staff can change out of dirty kit and into something clean and comfortable. Yes, it costs a bit more to have multiple options, but I think it’s worth it to keep everyone dry, presentable and comfortable.

We also invest in high-quality waterproofs each year. The weather can change quickly when you’re working outdoors and it’s essential the team stays as comfortable as possible in poor conditions. Good waterproofs can last a long time if you invest in the right ones.

Have you seen a shift in workwear expectations over the years?

I’ve been in greenkeeping for nearly twenty years, and not every organisation approaches it the same way. One of the first clubs I worked at gave me just a T-shirt and shorts - no logo, no identity. I didn’t like that. No one knew who we were or what role we played on the course.

When I joined The Bristol eight years ago, I made it a priority to create a clear identity for the team. Our budget wasn’t what it is now, but even then, I wanted good-quality, branded workwear that gave greenkeepers a sense of belonging within the golf club.

There’s been a growing effort across the industry to invest in staff welfare, but I still think we need a consistent baseline - especially when it comes to workwear. I continue to adapt based on the conditions. For example, if we’re expecting a very wet winter, I’ll invest in extra waterproofs. You have to move with the times.

Do you think quality workwear is something every turfcare organisation should prioritise?

Absolutely. As management, you’re investing in your staff by giving them the right uniform. That allows them to do their job properly while feeling comfortable and respected. The upfront cost can seem high, but most items last three years or more. When you break it down, it’s really not that expensive.

If we want to present a professional image of the industry, we need to invest in quality workwear. We’ve set a standard here and I want the team wearing branded clothing they can be proud of. Turfcare can be an underappreciated profession - but if we don’t set high standards for ourselves, how can we expect others to respect us?

I also think about the mental health side. If someone’s outside for four straight days, eight hours a day in the rain, and their waterproofs don’t hold up - it’s going to affect them. Everyone loves the job in summer, but winter can be really tough.

Does workwear play a role in staff safety, particularly in harsh weather conditions?

Definitely. You might have three team members operating machinery all day - they’re not moving much and will get absolutely soaked if their kit isn’t up to standard. Meanwhile, others who are strimming might stay drier because they’re moving around more.

If you’re sitting on a machine, the rain will find its way through eventually. It’s my job to provide waterproofs that keep them dry for as long as possible. The team appreciates that. Even if they get wet eventually, they know I’ve done everything I can to protect them. That makes a difference.

From a health and safety perspective, is it reasonable for staff to request indoor work during extreme weather?

Absolutely. If we have torrential rain, I won’t send the team out to get soaked. There are always jobs to be done in the shed. If it suddenly starts pouring down, I’ll bring them back in.

As an example; our break is at 11am. Some team members went out afterwards to do divoting and other end-of-day tasks. Then it tipped it down - half the team were about 10 minutes from the shed and got drenched. But that’s just part of the job. The key is making sure they’ve got the right gear.

That said, if someone asked to come inside every time it rained, I’d probably suggest turfcare might not be the right career for them. You’re going to get wet and cold sometimes - it comes with the territory. My role is to make sure we have the protections in place to deal with that.

I don’t want to mother the team, but I’ll always remind them to wear hats in hot weather and use the suncream we provide. We do our part - it’s then up to them to protect themselves.

Do you think well-kept, quality workwear helps reinforce professionalism on the course and in the clubhouse?

Absolutely. When people see us walking around the club, they know who we are because of our branded gear. Our uniform has a clear yellow logo and job title, and people recognise it.

Even at industry events, our team stands out. People often compliment us on our presentation. They might not remember our names, but they’ll remember that we’re from The Bristol Golf Club - and that we take pride in how we present ourselves.

Workwear that works

In the turfcare industry, the right workwear is more than just a uniform – it’s an essential tool of the trade. Whether maintaining sports pitches, golf courses or parkland, those working outdoors face a wide range of weather conditions and physical demands. Wearing appropriate clothing can make the difference between a safe, productive day and one hampered by discomfort or risk.

Protection from the elements is a key consideration. In summer, lightweight, breathable fabrics help regulate body temperature and wick away moisture, while in colder months, insulating layers trap warmth without restricting movement. Waterproof outerwear is vital for working in wet conditions, helping to keep wearers dry and able to concentrate fully on the task at hand.

Safety is equally important. Durable, well-designed garments can guard against cuts, abrasions and even some chemical splashes, while high-visibility options ensure workers are easily seen around machinery or in low-light conditions. Good workwear should also allow freedom of movement for tasks that require bending, lifting and precision work, without compromising on durability.

John Deere understands these challenges and manufactures a wide range of professional clothing designed for the varied needs of turf professionals. From weather-resistant jackets to breathable polos, each piece is created with comfort, performance and safety in mind, supporting those who take pride in presenting and maintaining the best possible turf surfaces.

Ultimately, professional workwear is about enabling people to do their job to the highest standard, whatever the conditions. Investing in high-quality clothing is not a luxury – it’s a practical step towards protecting health, improving efficiency and ensuring the team looks as professional as the work they deliver.

TOP TIPS

Workwear selection: It’s essential to balance functionality, comfort, durability, and safety.

Sustainability: Some brands now offer recycled or organic fabric options.

Choosing durable, long-lasting items also reduces environmental impact over time.

Footwear: Look for waterproofing and breathable linings to keep feet dry during long days.

Quality & budget: Premium brands like Helly Hansen offer high performance and longevity.