| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area and traffic conditions | Motorists entering work zone, poor visibility, crew drifting into live lanes | Set cones, signs, and advance warning devices; assign a lookout; use flaggers if required by traffic volume |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged shovels, malfunctioning plate compactor, faulty truck tailgate | Inspect tools before starting; verify compactor operation; repair or replace damaged equipment |
| Don required PPE | Struck by traffic, eye injuries, hand injuries | Wear full PPE including high visibility vest and gloves before approaching the work zone |
| Clean and prepare pothole | Flying debris, slips on loose gravel, contact with sharp edges | Remove loose material with shovel or broom; maintain stable footing; stand clear of debris path |
| Place cold patch material | Hand injuries, strain from lifting, stepping outside protected zone | Load cold patch from truck safely; avoid twisting while shoveling; stay within designated work area |
| Shape and level material | Tool contact, uneven footing, material spills | Use rake or lute with controlled motion; maintain stable stance; keep hands away from edges of shovel or rake |
| Compact cold patch | Noise, vibration exposure, pinch points, compactor movement | Use plate compactor or tamper correctly; keep hands on handles; make several passes to achieve uniform compaction; keep crew clear of compactor path |
| Check for proper height and taper | Trip hazard, vehicle damage from uneven repair | Verify patch is flush with surrounding pavement; taper edges to avoid lip or ridge |
| Final site cleanup | Struck by passing vehicles, loose debris creating hazards | Sweep surrounding area; remove excess material; maintain work zone protection until cleanup is complete |
| Remove traffic control | Unexpected motorist behavior, workers exposed during takedown | Remove cones and signs only when tools and crew are off roadway; use lookout during takedown |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection when using compactors
Long pants and long sleeves
Respiratory protection if working near heavy diesel exhaust
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Roadway Maintenance Operations
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area and traffic conditions | Motorists entering work zone, poor visibility, crew drifting into live lanes | Set cones, signs, and advance warning devices; assign a lookout; use flaggers if required by traffic volume |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged shovels, malfunctioning plate compactor, faulty truck tailgate | Inspect tools before starting; verify compactor operation; repair or replace damaged equipment |
| Don required PPE | Struck by traffic, eye injuries, hand injuries | Wear full PPE including high visibility vest and gloves before approaching the work zone |
| Clean and prepare pothole | Flying debris, slips on loose gravel, contact with sharp edges | Remove loose material with shovel or broom; maintain stable footing; stand clear of debris path |
| Place cold patch material | Hand injuries, strain from lifting, stepping outside protected zone | Load cold patch from truck safely; avoid twisting while shoveling; stay within designated work area |
| Shape and level material | Tool contact, uneven footing, material spills | Use rake or lute with controlled motion; maintain stable stance; keep hands away from edges of shovel or rake |
| Compact cold patch | Noise, vibration exposure, pinch points, compactor movement | Use plate compactor or tamper correctly; keep hands on handles; make several passes to achieve uniform compaction; keep crew clear of compactor path |
| Check for proper height and taper | Trip hazard, vehicle damage from uneven repair | Verify patch is flush with surrounding pavement; taper edges to avoid lip or ridge |
| Final site cleanup | Struck by passing vehicles, loose debris creating hazards | Sweep surrounding area; remove excess material; maintain work zone protection until cleanup is complete |
| Remove traffic control | Unexpected motorist behavior, workers exposed during takedown | Remove cones and signs only when tools and crew are off roadway; use lookout during takedown |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection when using compactors
Long pants and long sleeves
Respiratory protection if working near heavy diesel exhaust