So, don’t ditch that old faithful just yet. An independent test on it might reveal that age is not a risk factor.
Dealer detail
Tony Jenkins, of FG Adamson & Sons, recently supplied two machines to Bishop Burton College in Beverley, East Yorkshire, a partly land based college who are currently undergoing a multi million pound machine investment. “We supplied them with a John Deere 3520 compact tractor, which comes with a number of important safety features - a rubber isolated platform which minimises vibration, an operator presence system that will shut the tractor off if the operator leaves the seat while the tractor is in gear, an ASAE and OSHA certified roll-over protective structure, and wide angle halogen lights providing more light and better light dispersion. We also supplied them with a John Deere X748 tractor. This was the first time they purchased a ride on machine from us, but we have dealt with them for tractors before.” Good instructor training can be invaluable to those purchasing new machines, and having a good knowledge of its functions is a big step towards reducing injuries caused from improper machine use. “Our training basically involves making the user aware of the entire machine controls, how to use them correctly, and what safety precautions are to be taken. This is essential as, often, the end users don’t know how to use the machines as well as they think they
might. No matter how experienced a groundsman may be, the initial instructor training is always essential for safe use.”
John Deere machines come with a 20 point check list in conjunction with HSE, which outlines all the procedures one should follow before using a piece of kit, including necessary PPE equipment. “The college opted to do all the maintenance themselves along with our standard annual service. We do offer our customers a regular service but, with funds being what they are at present, it is understandable that people want to do more in house maintenance.” “The X series John Deere tractors have very low body vibration levels, which are vital if grounds staff are using machines for prolonged periods of time or used intensely for training purposes. Tractors operate under different vibration regulations than ride on mowers and other grass care machinery, due to the varying loads they might be carrying. If a tractor has an aerator attached to the back, the vibration levels are going to be sufficiently greater than if there was nothing at all - users need to take this into account.” “We recommend to our customers that machines are replaced every 2000-3000 miles on average, depending on the type of terrain it’s used on and the levels of wear and tear it gets. Regular maintenance and correct machine use will usually ensure longevity of the machine as well as safety for the user.”
SPOTTING Problems
News that professional cricketers are being checked for early signs of skin cancer brings into focus whether grounds staff should also be checked routinely for the disease.
One of the most widespread of cancers, malignant melanoma, can be treated successfully if caught early, say specialists. Cases of the condition in Britain have risen dramatically in the last three decades, new figures reveal, to stand at 10,000 annually, a fourfold increase over that time. Working with the Professional
Cricketers Association (PCA), a network of clinics called Skin has conducted mole checks recently on cricketers at county clubs.
The results were surprising, not to say disturbing, with one in six cricketers tested reportedly referred to specialists with ‘suspicious’ moles.
“Melanoma is a killer but can be eradicated if a mole is changing but has not gone deep into the skin,” says Dr Sean Lanigan, consultant dermatologist and medical director of Skin. “Changes occur in most people due to sunburn reactions,” he continues. “Sunburn in childhood, particularly in the under-16s, can be sufficient to trigger malignant melanoma, although
repeated episodes are more dangerous than single episodes.” Those with white skin are more at risk, he adds, as are those with a large number of moles on their body or a familial link with the disease. The non-malignant form of melanoma is more common in older people, he adds, usually presenting on the face as sores or growths.
The risk is not confined to one sport. “This is a particular problem with cricketers, but golfers are also potentially at risk,” said dermatologist Dr Robert Burd, speaking at Northamptonshire CCC, where Skin has conducted skin checks. “UV damage at an early age can certainly cause problems later on.” If cricketers are at risk from the sun,
groundcare staff are even more so, believes Northamptonshire’s head groundsman, Paul Marshall. “We are out there 24/7, all year,” says the 42-year-old, who has been at the club for twenty years, seven of those in his present post. “Four out of our team of five are sun worshippers, but only two put on sun cream. Personally, I never put any on - I suppose I should, but I wouldn’t want to lather up in the morning for a fourteen
hour day. It attracts the flies, midges and dust.”
“I seem to remember that a
groundsman died of skin cancer about 18 months ago, so I’d say that we are definitely at risk. Perhaps clubs should be checking us as well as the players.”
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