| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct pre trip inspection | Brake failure, lighting issues, hydraulic leaks | Inspect brakes, lights, backup alarm, mirrors, hydraulics, steps, hopper, and tires; report defects immediately |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility, hand injuries, foot injuries | Wear high visibility vest or jacket, gloves, steel toe boots, and safety glasses |
| Review route before departure | Blind intersections, dangerous turns | Plan route to minimize backing; identify tight areas; communicate with crew |
| Approach stops safely | Struck by traffic, poor visibility | Use hazard lights; pull tight to curb; avoid sudden stops; use cones when appropriate |
| Exit cab safely | Slips on steps, icy surfaces | Maintain three points of contact; look for slick or uneven ground before stepping down |
| Retrieve and stage refuse for loading | Sharp objects, heavy bags, hidden hazards | Use proper lifting technique; avoid twisting; inspect bags for protruding objects |
| Load refuse into hopper | Struck by closing hopper, pinch points, lifting strain | Keep hands clear of hopper edge; never reach inside; load from side positions, not directly behind |
| Operate compactor | Crush hazards, hydraulic movement | Ensure crew is clear before activating; never compact while someone is near hopper opening |
| Handle bulky or awkward items | Back strains, falling objects | Team lift heavy items; break down items when possible; keep clear of swinging objects |
| Use rear riding steps (if permitted) | Falling from truck, vehicle movement hazards | Only ride steps at slow speeds per department policy; maintain two hand holds; never ride during backing |
| Working near traffic | Struck by passing vehicles | Always face traffic when possible; wear Class 3 high visibility gear; use spotter in busy areas |
| Backing truck | Limited visibility, collision risk | Use spotter; rely on mirrors and backup camera; back slowly; stop immediately if spotter loses visibility |
| Interacting with pedestrians | Unexpected movements, distractions | Make eye contact with pedestrians; stop operations when people are nearby; avoid blind backing |
| Operating in winter conditions | Slips, snow obscuring hazards | Wear traction cleats; walk carefully; allow for longer stopping distances |
| Dealing with hazardous or prohibited items | Chemical exposure, sharp objects, fires | Follow department policy for hazardous waste; do not compact suspicious items; notify supervisor |
| Travel between stops | Driver distraction, sudden braking | Maintain communication with crew; avoid distractions; drive at appropriate speeds |
| Disposal at transfer station | Heavy equipment hazards, tipping risks | Follow site rules; stay inside cab unless directed; avoid walking near loader zones |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp debris, chemical exposure | Clean hopper tools carefully; wash hands; inspect PPE for damage |
| Conduct post trip inspection | Undiscovered damage, hydraulic leaks | Check truck for new defects; document issues; secure vehicle properly |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots
Work gloves (cut resistant preferred)
Safety glasses
Hearing protection near compactor
Weather appropriate clothing
Avoid handling loose needle sharps or medical waste; treat all suspicious bags as hazardous.
Never reach into the hopper or compaction chamber under any circumstances.
Ensure constant communication between driver and crew, especially during backing and compaction operations.
Limit step riding to safe, low speed conditions and only where policies allow.
Do not overload hopper; compact in stages.
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Solid Waste and Recycling 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.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct pre trip inspection | Brake failure, lighting issues, hydraulic leaks | Inspect brakes, lights, backup alarm, mirrors, hydraulics, steps, hopper, and tires; report defects immediately |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility, hand injuries, foot injuries | Wear high visibility vest or jacket, gloves, steel toe boots, and safety glasses |
| Review route before departure | Blind intersections, dangerous turns | Plan route to minimize backing; identify tight areas; communicate with crew |
| Approach stops safely | Struck by traffic, poor visibility | Use hazard lights; pull tight to curb; avoid sudden stops; use cones when appropriate |
| Exit cab safely | Slips on steps, icy surfaces | Maintain three points of contact; look for slick or uneven ground before stepping down |
| Retrieve and stage refuse for loading | Sharp objects, heavy bags, hidden hazards | Use proper lifting technique; avoid twisting; inspect bags for protruding objects |
| Load refuse into hopper | Struck by closing hopper, pinch points, lifting strain | Keep hands clear of hopper edge; never reach inside; load from side positions, not directly behind |
| Operate compactor | Crush hazards, hydraulic movement | Ensure crew is clear before activating; never compact while someone is near hopper opening |
| Handle bulky or awkward items | Back strains, falling objects | Team lift heavy items; break down items when possible; keep clear of swinging objects |
| Use rear riding steps (if permitted) | Falling from truck, vehicle movement hazards | Only ride steps at slow speeds per department policy; maintain two hand holds; never ride during backing |
| Working near traffic | Struck by passing vehicles | Always face traffic when possible; wear Class 3 high visibility gear; use spotter in busy areas |
| Backing truck | Limited visibility, collision risk | Use spotter; rely on mirrors and backup camera; back slowly; stop immediately if spotter loses visibility |
| Interacting with pedestrians | Unexpected movements, distractions | Make eye contact with pedestrians; stop operations when people are nearby; avoid blind backing |
| Operating in winter conditions | Slips, snow obscuring hazards | Wear traction cleats; walk carefully; allow for longer stopping distances |
| Dealing with hazardous or prohibited items | Chemical exposure, sharp objects, fires | Follow department policy for hazardous waste; do not compact suspicious items; notify supervisor |
| Travel between stops | Driver distraction, sudden braking | Maintain communication with crew; avoid distractions; drive at appropriate speeds |
| Disposal at transfer station | Heavy equipment hazards, tipping risks | Follow site rules; stay inside cab unless directed; avoid walking near loader zones |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp debris, chemical exposure | Clean hopper tools carefully; wash hands; inspect PPE for damage |
| Conduct post trip inspection | Undiscovered damage, hydraulic leaks | Check truck for new defects; document issues; secure vehicle properly |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots
Work gloves (cut resistant preferred)
Safety glasses
Hearing protection near compactor
Weather appropriate clothing
Avoid handling loose needle sharps or medical waste; treat all suspicious bags as hazardous.
Never reach into the hopper or compaction chamber under any circumstances.
Ensure constant communication between driver and crew, especially during backing and compaction operations.
Limit step riding to safe, low speed conditions and only where policies allow.
Do not overload hopper; compact in stages.