| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Hidden ice, obstacles under snow, poor visibility | Walk path before starting; identify ice patches; watch for storm debris; note trip hazards |
| Prepare equipment | Fuel spills, starting issues, tool defects | Check blowers and small plows; inspect blades, augers, tires, and lights; refuel outdoors on level ground |
| Don required PPE | Frostbite, slips on ice | Wear insulated high visibility gear; use traction cleats; use gloves with good dexterity |
| Start clearing operations | Flying snow and debris, auger entanglement | Keep all body parts away from moving parts; never bypass safety guards; maintain proper distance from others |
| Use snow blower safely | Slips while pushing, thrown debris, hearing damage | Push machine steadily; clear clogs with stick, not hands; point chute away from people, windows, and traffic |
| Operate sidewalk plows or tractors | Rollovers, struck by objects, limited visibility | Drive at low speed; avoid edges near ditches; do not exceed width of sidewalk; use lights and flashers |
| Shoveling snow | Back strain, muscle fatigue, slip hazards | Use ergonomic shovels; lift with legs; push snow instead of lifting when possible; take breaks |
| Apply de icing material | Overexertion lifting bags, chemical exposure | Lift salt bags with proper technique; wear gloves; spread evenly to avoid overuse |
| Work near roadways | Vehicle hazards, low driver visibility | Wear Class 3 high visibility clothing; keep distance from travel lanes; use cones if near curbline |
| Refuel equipment | Fire hazard, spill hazard | Turn machine off; refuel on cleared, level ground; use proper fuel cans; clean up spills |
| Clear walkways near steep slopes | Sliding, losing footing | Use traction cleats; create small cleared path first; avoid operating heavy equipment too close to edges |
| Monitor weather conditions | Reduced visibility, extreme cold | Stop work during whiteout conditions; take warming breaks; rotate staff to reduce cold stress |
| End of operation cleanup | Slips in equipment area, hidden tools in snow | Collect tools; clean blower or plow; store de icing materials; ensure walkways are left safe |
| Return equipment to storage | Slippery shop floors, hot engine parts | Park on dry floor; shut down equipment; allow engine to cool; store fuel safely |
High visibility winter jacket or vest
Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
Ice cleats or traction devices (department approved)
Insulated gloves with good grip
Safety glasses or face shield (snow blower operations)
Hearing protection around gas powered equipment
Weather appropriate insulated clothing
Use a designated two person team in isolated trail areas during storms.
Consider pre treating sidewalks before expected ice events.
Report damaged pavement or heaved slabs for later repair.
Avoid pushing snow into roadways or blocking drainage inlets.
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Winter 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.
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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work area | Hidden ice, obstacles under snow, poor visibility | Walk path before starting; identify ice patches; watch for storm debris; note trip hazards |
| Prepare equipment | Fuel spills, starting issues, tool defects | Check blowers and small plows; inspect blades, augers, tires, and lights; refuel outdoors on level ground |
| Don required PPE | Frostbite, slips on ice | Wear insulated high visibility gear; use traction cleats; use gloves with good dexterity |
| Start clearing operations | Flying snow and debris, auger entanglement | Keep all body parts away from moving parts; never bypass safety guards; maintain proper distance from others |
| Use snow blower safely | Slips while pushing, thrown debris, hearing damage | Push machine steadily; clear clogs with stick, not hands; point chute away from people, windows, and traffic |
| Operate sidewalk plows or tractors | Rollovers, struck by objects, limited visibility | Drive at low speed; avoid edges near ditches; do not exceed width of sidewalk; use lights and flashers |
| Shoveling snow | Back strain, muscle fatigue, slip hazards | Use ergonomic shovels; lift with legs; push snow instead of lifting when possible; take breaks |
| Apply de icing material | Overexertion lifting bags, chemical exposure | Lift salt bags with proper technique; wear gloves; spread evenly to avoid overuse |
| Work near roadways | Vehicle hazards, low driver visibility | Wear Class 3 high visibility clothing; keep distance from travel lanes; use cones if near curbline |
| Refuel equipment | Fire hazard, spill hazard | Turn machine off; refuel on cleared, level ground; use proper fuel cans; clean up spills |
| Clear walkways near steep slopes | Sliding, losing footing | Use traction cleats; create small cleared path first; avoid operating heavy equipment too close to edges |
| Monitor weather conditions | Reduced visibility, extreme cold | Stop work during whiteout conditions; take warming breaks; rotate staff to reduce cold stress |
| End of operation cleanup | Slips in equipment area, hidden tools in snow | Collect tools; clean blower or plow; store de icing materials; ensure walkways are left safe |
| Return equipment to storage | Slippery shop floors, hot engine parts | Park on dry floor; shut down equipment; allow engine to cool; store fuel safely |
High visibility winter jacket or vest
Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
Ice cleats or traction devices (department approved)
Insulated gloves with good grip
Safety glasses or face shield (snow blower operations)
Hearing protection around gas powered equipment
Weather appropriate insulated clothing
Use a designated two person team in isolated trail areas during storms.
Consider pre treating sidewalks before expected ice events.
Report damaged pavement or heaved slabs for later repair.
Avoid pushing snow into roadways or blocking drainage inlets.