| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area and traffic conditions | Motorists entering work zone, crew wandering into traffic lane, poor visibility | Set up proper work zone with cones, signs, and flaggers if needed; assign a lookout; ensure crew remains inside protected zone |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged shovels, malfunctioning plate compactor, leaking truck hydraulics | Check all tools before beginning; verify compactor functions correctly; remove unsafe equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, foot injuries, struck by hazards, hearing damage | Wear all PPE before entering roadway or handling material |
| Prepare pothole (cleaning and shaping) | Flying debris, contact with sharp edges, slips around loose gravel | Remove loose material with shovel or broom, maintain solid footing, stand clear of debris when others clean the area |
| Apply tack coat or prep material (if used) | Skin contact, slips, fumes | Follow manufacturer instructions; apply lightly; avoid standing in fresh tack; maintain ventilation when pouring from containers |
| Place patching material (cold mix or hot mix) | Burns from hot mix, back strain, hand injuries, traffic hazards | Use shovels safely, avoid twisting while lifting, stand inside work zone, keep hands clear of truck spreader gates |
| Level and shape patch | Tool contact, loss of footing, stepping into traffic | Use rakes and lutes with controlled motion, maintain stable stance, face traffic when possible |
| Compact patch | Vibrations from plate compactor, pinching hazards, moving compactor unexpectedly | Maintain both hands on compactor handles, check footing, compact in multiple passes, keep crew clear of compaction path |
| Final inspection | Remaining loose debris, uneven surface, lingering hazards | Remove loose stones, verify patch is flush with surrounding pavement, confirm all tools are accounted for |
| Remove traffic control | Road users entering too early, crew exposed during takedown | Remove cones and signs only when crew and equipment are completely clear; use lookout during takedown |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using compactors or saws
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Respiratory protection if working near heavy diesel exhaust or hot mix fumes
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, crew wandering into traffic lane, poor visibility | Set up proper work zone with cones, signs, and flaggers if needed; assign a lookout; ensure crew remains inside protected zone |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Damaged shovels, malfunctioning plate compactor, leaking truck hydraulics | Check all tools before beginning; verify compactor functions correctly; remove unsafe equipment from service |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, foot injuries, struck by hazards, hearing damage | Wear all PPE before entering roadway or handling material |
| Prepare pothole (cleaning and shaping) | Flying debris, contact with sharp edges, slips around loose gravel | Remove loose material with shovel or broom, maintain solid footing, stand clear of debris when others clean the area |
| Apply tack coat or prep material (if used) | Skin contact, slips, fumes | Follow manufacturer instructions; apply lightly; avoid standing in fresh tack; maintain ventilation when pouring from containers |
| Place patching material (cold mix or hot mix) | Burns from hot mix, back strain, hand injuries, traffic hazards | Use shovels safely, avoid twisting while lifting, stand inside work zone, keep hands clear of truck spreader gates |
| Level and shape patch | Tool contact, loss of footing, stepping into traffic | Use rakes and lutes with controlled motion, maintain stable stance, face traffic when possible |
| Compact patch | Vibrations from plate compactor, pinching hazards, moving compactor unexpectedly | Maintain both hands on compactor handles, check footing, compact in multiple passes, keep crew clear of compaction path |
| Final inspection | Remaining loose debris, uneven surface, lingering hazards | Remove loose stones, verify patch is flush with surrounding pavement, confirm all tools are accounted for |
| Remove traffic control | Road users entering too early, crew exposed during takedown | Remove cones and signs only when crew and equipment are completely clear; use lookout during takedown |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using compactors or saws
Steel toe boots
Long pants and long sleeves
Respiratory protection if working near heavy diesel exhaust or hot mix fumes