Turfing & Reseeding Risk Assessment Template

Typical hazards & measures

• Weather exposure (heat, cold, UV, wind) — Schedule heavy tasks early/late in heat; enforce shade, SPF 30+, and hydration plan; add warm layers and breaks in cold/wet; secure rolls and geotextiles in wind. Stop work for lightning or extreme gusts; maintain a simple weather trigger table.
• Fuel and refuelling — Refuel in a ventilated, no-smoking zone with spill kit ready; cool engines first; use approved cans and funnels; wipe spills and bin contaminated rags; store fuel in a locked, bunded area away from ignition sources; label and segregate wastes.
• Hand tools and knives — Issue fixed-blade turf knives with sheaths and cut-resistant gloves; brief safe cutting stance away from body; designate blade-change area with sharps container. Keep tools sharp, accounted for, and stored when not in use. Prohibit makeshift blades.
• Slips and trips on wet or uneven ground — Grade and compact walk routes; remove stones, offcuts and twine; route hoses at edges and bridge with mats; wear non-slip boots. Stagger watering to avoid saturated paths and cone off soft patches. Maintain housekeeping checks throughout shifts.
• Chemical exposure (fertiliser, seed coatings, residues) — Check SDS; decant with scoops, not bare hands; wear nitrile gloves and eye protection; avoid windy broadcast; keep food/water away. Label tubs, keep children/public excluded, and wash skin promptly. Store in locked, dry, ventilated spaces.