| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect field before dragging | Rocks, ruts, sprinkler heads, holes, debris | Walk the field; remove loose debris; inspect for hazards that could damage equipment or cause injury |
| Inspect dragging equipment | Sharp edges, broken chains, bent frames | Check drag mat condition; inspect tow hitch, chains, and connections for wear or damage |
| Inspect tow vehicle | Mechanical issues, tire hazards, poor braking | Examine tires, brakes, steering, lights, and fluid leaks; verify safety guards are in place |
| Don required PPE | Foot injuries, eye irritation, low visibility | Wear boots and glasses; wear high visibility vest near parking lots or traffic areas |
| Position drag behind tow vehicle | Pinch points, backing hazards | Park on level terrain; connect drag using proper hitch; keep hands away from pinch areas |
| Start tow vehicle | Unexpected movement | Ensure drag is clear of people; check surroundings before moving |
| Begin dragging field at slow speed | Loss of control, uneven dragging, flying dust | Keep speed low; avoid sharp turns; monitor dust and increase moisture on infield if needed |
| Maintain correct dragging pattern | Collisions, equipment catching on edges | Follow designated pattern (circles or straight passes); stay clear of infield lip to avoid creating edges |
| Watch for pedestrians and athletes | Unexpected approach of public | Stop equipment immediately when people enter work area; communicate clearly |
| Operate on infield edges | Lip damage, drag catching grass | Slow down; lift drag slightly at grass edges; avoid creating grooves or ridges |
| Reverse vehicle only when necessary | Blind spots, runover hazards | Avoid backing; if required, use spotter; back slowly |
| Adjust drag or hand groom areas | Entanglement, unstable drag | Turn off engine; wait for complete stop; use gloves when handling drag |
| Work on slopes or wet fields | Slips, stuck equipment | Avoid dragging during saturated conditions; use low speed on inclines |
| Add or level infield material | Lifting strain, dust exposure | Lift with legs; avoid throwing heavy material; use dust mask if conditions are dusty |
| Shut down tow vehicle | Unexpected roll, hot engine parts | Put in park, set brake, turn off engine; allow engine to cool |
| Disconnect drag | Pinch points, drag movement | Disconnect only on flat ground; keep hands clear of chain tension |
| End of shift cleanup | Trip hazards, equipment damage | Store drag mat flat; clean equipment; remove debris; inspect field for any leftover hazards |
Safety glasses
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
Gloves (optional)
High visibility vest when working near parking lots or roads
Hearing protection if operating tractors or utility vehicles
Long pants
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Parks and Grounds Maintenance
* The steps, hazards, and controls displayed above may be incomplete or not suit your department's needs. All job safety analyses should be a completed with frontline worker input to ensure that each potential hazard is identified and mitigated.
Please read about The Essentials Elements of a Solid Job Safety Anaylsis here.
Thank you to our primary sponsor, Roadwurx, which is a simple asset management platform for small public works and road departments.
| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect field before dragging | Rocks, ruts, sprinkler heads, holes, debris | Walk the field; remove loose debris; inspect for hazards that could damage equipment or cause injury |
| Inspect dragging equipment | Sharp edges, broken chains, bent frames | Check drag mat condition; inspect tow hitch, chains, and connections for wear or damage |
| Inspect tow vehicle | Mechanical issues, tire hazards, poor braking | Examine tires, brakes, steering, lights, and fluid leaks; verify safety guards are in place |
| Don required PPE | Foot injuries, eye irritation, low visibility | Wear boots and glasses; wear high visibility vest near parking lots or traffic areas |
| Position drag behind tow vehicle | Pinch points, backing hazards | Park on level terrain; connect drag using proper hitch; keep hands away from pinch areas |
| Start tow vehicle | Unexpected movement | Ensure drag is clear of people; check surroundings before moving |
| Begin dragging field at slow speed | Loss of control, uneven dragging, flying dust | Keep speed low; avoid sharp turns; monitor dust and increase moisture on infield if needed |
| Maintain correct dragging pattern | Collisions, equipment catching on edges | Follow designated pattern (circles or straight passes); stay clear of infield lip to avoid creating edges |
| Watch for pedestrians and athletes | Unexpected approach of public | Stop equipment immediately when people enter work area; communicate clearly |
| Operate on infield edges | Lip damage, drag catching grass | Slow down; lift drag slightly at grass edges; avoid creating grooves or ridges |
| Reverse vehicle only when necessary | Blind spots, runover hazards | Avoid backing; if required, use spotter; back slowly |
| Adjust drag or hand groom areas | Entanglement, unstable drag | Turn off engine; wait for complete stop; use gloves when handling drag |
| Work on slopes or wet fields | Slips, stuck equipment | Avoid dragging during saturated conditions; use low speed on inclines |
| Add or level infield material | Lifting strain, dust exposure | Lift with legs; avoid throwing heavy material; use dust mask if conditions are dusty |
| Shut down tow vehicle | Unexpected roll, hot engine parts | Put in park, set brake, turn off engine; allow engine to cool |
| Disconnect drag | Pinch points, drag movement | Disconnect only on flat ground; keep hands clear of chain tension |
| End of shift cleanup | Trip hazards, equipment damage | Store drag mat flat; clean equipment; remove debris; inspect field for any leftover hazards |
Safety glasses
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
Gloves (optional)
High visibility vest when working near parking lots or roads
Hearing protection if operating tractors or utility vehicles
Long pants