The Grounds Management Association (GMA) in the UK is urging its members to review their pesticide management procedures following new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforcement data showing that 97% of pesticide inspections conducted in 2025 required corrective action.
According to GMA, “The figures, shared at the Amenity Forum Updating Event, reflect official control visits across England, Wales and Scotland and highlight ongoing compliance challenges across the amenity sector, including areas directly relevant to sports turf managers, grounds teams and contractors.”
The findings revealed several recurring issues, including poor pesticide storage, inadequate stock control, incomplete spray records, failures to inspect application equipment where required, and gaps in regulatory registration.
For GMA members responsible for the management of sports surfaces, parks and public green spaces, the results serve as an important reminder of the need to maintain robust systems, regular audits and ongoing staff training.
“There remains significant scope for improvement in some areas of compliance,” said Amenity Forum Chair Ian Graham. “While many issues are easily addressed through better awareness, training and management controls, the figures show the importance of maintaining robust systems and reviewing procedures regularly.”
The GMA believes the findings reinforce the importance of professional standards and continuous improvement across the grounds management sector.
Practical steps for grounds managers and teams
- The GMA is encouraging members to review their current procedures and take practical steps to strengthen compliance, including:
- Reviewing pesticide storage facilities to ensure they meet safety requirements.
- Auditing stocks and disposing of expired or unauthorised products appropriately.
- Maintaining accurate and accessible spray records.
- Checking inspection requirements for pedestrian-operated application equipment.
- Confirming all relevant regulatory registrations are current and compliant.
- Training and best practice
The findings also underline the critical role that training, and competence play in achieving compliance. While the vast majority of inspections required corrective actions, only a small number resulted in formal enforcement notices, demonstrating that many issues can be addressed through improved awareness, management controls and regular review of procedures.
With increasing scrutiny around the use of plant protection products in public spaces and sports facilities, maintaining best practice is essential to protecting people, the environment and the reputation of the profession.