All Courses Training Packages Enterprise Request a Quote
Industries
Construction Manufacturing Municipal & Utilities Oil & Gas Transportation Healthcare Office & Corporate
Course Categories
Safety Training Construction Safety HR Compliance HAZMAT & HAZWOPER Driver & Fleet Safety Workplace Culture & Soft Skills Healthcare & Patient Safety Environmental Compliance
Sign In
Create Your Employer Account

Small Vehicle Safety: Golf Carts and UTVs

19 minutesEN / ES / MLCCDriver & Fleet SafetyOSHA General Duty Clause - Section 5(a)(1); ANSI/ITSDF B56.8 (voluntary)
Quick Answer

Small Vehicle Safety: Golf Carts and UTVs is a 19-minute online course that trains employees on the safe operation of golf carts, utility task vehicles (UTVs), and similar small vehicles in workplace settings. It is designed for employees who operate these vehicles at resorts, campuses, warehouses, parks, and industrial facilities and includes a downloadable certificate of completion.

Course Overview

Golf carts and utility task vehicles are used across a wide range of workplace settings - from resorts, universities, and parks to warehouses, construction sites, and manufacturing campuses. Despite their small size and low speeds, these vehicles are involved in thousands of injuries annually. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports approximately 18,000 golf cart-related injuries treated in emergency departments each year, with rollovers, ejections, and collisions accounting for the most serious incidents. Under OSHA's General Duty Clause, employers who provide small vehicles for work tasks must ensure operators are trained on safe operation and that the vehicles are maintained in safe condition.

This course trains your employees on the specific hazards associated with golf carts, UTVs, and similar small vehicles, including their high center of gravity, lack of occupant protection features, and susceptibility to rollover on slopes and uneven terrain. Your team will learn proper operating techniques, passenger safety rules, load limits, right-of-way considerations, and how to inspect vehicles before use. The training covers both recreational-style golf carts and more rugged UTVs used in industrial and outdoor work environments.

What You'll Learn

  • Common hazards associated with golf carts and UTVs including rollover, ejection, and collision risks
  • Safe operating techniques for slopes, turns, uneven terrain, and wet surfaces
  • Vehicle load limits, passenger capacity, and proper cargo securing
  • Pre-operation inspection procedures and basic maintenance checks
  • Right-of-way and pedestrian awareness in shared-use environments
  • Differences between golf carts and UTVs in terms of capabilities and safe operating parameters

Who Needs This Training

  • Resort, hotel, and golf course employees who operate golf carts for guest transport or maintenance
  • University and campus facilities crews using small vehicles for grounds and building maintenance
  • Warehouse and manufacturing workers using utility vehicles for internal transport
  • Parks, recreation, and municipal employees operating UTVs for trail maintenance and event support
  • Supervisors responsible for establishing small vehicle safety policies and training programs

Regulatory Background

OSHA does not have a specific standard for golf cart or UTV operation. However, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to protect employees from recognized hazards, which includes unsafe vehicle operation. OSHA can cite employers under this clause when small vehicle incidents occur and training was not provided. ANSI/ITSDF B56.8 provides voluntary safety standards for personnel and burden carriers, including golf cart-style vehicles used in industrial settings. Individual states and municipalities may have additional regulations governing golf cart operation on public roads. Rollover and ejection incidents are the leading causes of serious injury involving these vehicles, and employers should establish written operating policies that address speed limits, terrain restrictions, and passenger rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

OSHA does not have a specific standard requiring golf cart or UTV training. However, the General Duty Clause requires employers to address recognized hazards, and untrained small vehicle operators represent a recognized hazard. If a workplace incident involves an untrained operator, OSHA can cite the employer. Additionally, if a UTV is used for material handling purposes, it may fall under OSHA's powered industrial truck standard (29 CFR 1910.178), which does require operator training.
Rollovers and passenger ejections are the leading causes of serious golf cart injuries. Golf carts have a high center of gravity relative to their wheelbase, no doors, and typically no seatbelts. Sharp turns, slopes, uneven terrain, and excessive speed for conditions can all cause rollovers. The Consumer Product Safety Commission reports approximately 18,000 golf cart-related injuries treated in emergency departments each year.
OSHA does not mandate seatbelts in golf carts. However, many newer UTVs are equipped with seatbelts and roll-over protective structures (ROPS), and manufacturers typically require their use. Employers should follow the vehicle manufacturer's safety requirements and consider implementing seatbelt policies for all small vehicles, particularly UTVs used on slopes or uneven terrain where rollover risk is elevated.
This varies by state and municipality. Many jurisdictions allow golf carts on roads with speed limits of 35 mph or below, often with specific equipment requirements such as headlights, taillights, turn signals, mirrors, and a slow-moving vehicle emblem. Some states require a valid driver's license for on-road operation. Employers should verify local regulations before allowing employees to operate golf carts on public roadways.
Yes. The safe operation principles covered in this course apply to both electric and gas-powered golf carts and UTVs. The training addresses hazards common to all small vehicles regardless of power source, including rollover prevention, load limits, terrain considerations, and pedestrian awareness. Employers with gas-powered vehicles should also address carbon monoxide exposure risks in enclosed areas.
$24.95
per person
Volume Pricing
Team Size Price per Person
1 - 9$24.95
10 - 24$19.95
25 - 49$17.95
50 - 99$17.50
Subtotal $24.95
Language

This course is available in English, Spanish, and Multi-Language CC at no additional charge.

Certificate of completion included. Downloadable upon passing the final assessment.

$24.95
per person