Travelers Notes Top Golf Course Risks

When considering risks on the golf course, today’s golf course owners and operators might immediately think of errant balls hitting guests or overturned golf carts.

However, according to an analysis of claims and losses, Travelers announced today at the Golf Industry Show that the most common types of claims involved in general liability and property losses continue to occur as a result of fires; slips, trips and falls; and wind damage. Travelers National Programs offers golf-specific insurance coverage through its Eagle 3 product.

To help prevent loss and maintain safety, Travelers offers these tips for golf course owners and operators.

Fire Damage

According to a 2006 study performed by Travelers, Safety on the Fairway, fires constituted four percent of the claims but were responsible for 40 percent of the property loss costs. The most common cause of fire was from electrical deficiencies, particularly in golf cart storage areas, typically because there is not enough electrical capacity to handle the number of chargers being used. Also, some facility managers have purchased chargers that are not designed for that type of equipment.

To help prevent electrical fires, or to minimize damage if fire occurs, Travelers offers these recommendations:

• Only use chargers recommended by the manufacturer.
• An electrician should evaluate the electrical system, especially if additional golf carts have been purchased.
• Install automatic fire sprinklers, or if impractical, fire detection equipment in the golf cart storage area.
• The golf cart storage room should be kept clear of combustible storage.
• Self-closing fire doors, rated to match the wall construction, should be installed between the cart storage area and the rest of the building.
• Park carts in a manner to provide natural fire breaks, so if a fire does occur it should not spread from cart to cart.

Slips, trips and falls

Slips, trips and falls occur in many businesses, but can be even more prevalent at golf courses because of the rolling terrain, water hazards and various pathways and walkways. Combining severity and frequency, slips, trips and falls have the largest impact on golf courses and are typically the most preventable.

A golf facility can take a few simple steps to help prevent these types of losses:

• Teach employees what causes slip, trip and fall accidents and their role in prevention.
• Put a procedure in place that encourages employees and patrons to report hazards they spot at the facility. The procedure needs to include a quick response to potential hazards as well as how to respond and correct the hazards.
• Review any plans for new construction or remodeling, keeping in mind ways to prevent slip, trip and fall hazards.

Wind damage and inclement weather

According to Safety on the Fairway, destruction from storms makes up 23 percent of total claim costs. While it’s not possible to control the weather, owners/operators and managers can control some of the damage by ensuring dead limbs are trimmed off of their trees and by cleaning debris when bad weather subsides.

For more information about Travelers Risk Control for golf courses, Travelers Safety on the Fairway study, and the Eagle 3 product, visit www.travelers.com.