| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area | Hidden ice, pedestrians, obstacles buried under snow | Walk the route if possible; identify hazards; cone off areas near heavy pedestrian use |
| Inspect skid steer and attachment | Hydraulic leaks, faulty couplers, worn augers | Inspect hoses, couplers, cutting edge, and blower housing; verify lights and backup alarm |
| Don required PPE | Frostbite, cold reduced dexterity | Wear insulated clothing, gloves, traction footwear, and high visibility jacket |
| Mount and dismount skid steer | Slips from icy steps, three point contact failure | Remove ice from steps and handles; maintain three points of contact |
| Connect snowblower attachment | Pinch points, sudden hydraulic movement | Shut down machine; relieve hydraulic pressure; keep hands clear while seating couplers |
| Start machine and verify controls | Unexpected auger rotation, sudden motion | Test all controls at idle; verify auger spins correctly; ensure chute rotates properly |
| Begin clearing sidewalks | Limited visibility, flying debris, confined width | Drive slowly; use lights and flashers; avoid aiming chute toward windows, cars, or pedestrians |
| Maintain proper sidewalk alignment | Running off edge, striking curbs, rollover risk | Keep speed low; remain centered on sidewalk; avoid operating too close to drop offs or ditches |
| Monitor chute direction | Flying ice, blowing snow reducing visibility | Aim chute away from people, vehicles, buildings, and intersections; adjust as wind shifts |
| Watch for pedestrians | Struck by equipment, poor visibility in snow | Use a spotter in busy areas; stop operations immediately if pedestrians enter work zone |
| Work near roadways | Vehicle contact, snow obscuring operator | Wear Class 3 high visibility PPE; use warning lights; avoid backing into roadways |
| Clear snow in low visibility | Whiteouts, blowing snow, fatigue | Reduce speed; use additional lighting; stop work if visibility becomes unsafe |
| Refuel skid steer | Fire hazard, spill hazard | Shut down engine; refuel on cleared flat surface; wipe up any spills |
| Remove snow buildup from blower | Entanglement, pinch points | Shut down machine; lower attachment to ground; use a tool to remove snow, never hands |
| Finish operations | Slips while exiting machine, equipment left running | Park on level ground; idle down; shut off equipment before exiting |
| Inspect work area | Missed areas, hazards left behind | Walk route; ensure blower debris is not blocking driveways, drains, or intersections |
| Return equipment to storage | Icy shop floors, hot hydraulic components | Park carefully; allow machine to cool; check for hydraulic leaks before storage |
High visibility winter jacket or vest (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
Ice cleats or traction devices (department approved)
Insulated winter gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Hard hat (required if operating under tree limbs, eaves, or low structures)
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.
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 work area | Hidden ice, pedestrians, obstacles buried under snow | Walk the route if possible; identify hazards; cone off areas near heavy pedestrian use |
| Inspect skid steer and attachment | Hydraulic leaks, faulty couplers, worn augers | Inspect hoses, couplers, cutting edge, and blower housing; verify lights and backup alarm |
| Don required PPE | Frostbite, cold reduced dexterity | Wear insulated clothing, gloves, traction footwear, and high visibility jacket |
| Mount and dismount skid steer | Slips from icy steps, three point contact failure | Remove ice from steps and handles; maintain three points of contact |
| Connect snowblower attachment | Pinch points, sudden hydraulic movement | Shut down machine; relieve hydraulic pressure; keep hands clear while seating couplers |
| Start machine and verify controls | Unexpected auger rotation, sudden motion | Test all controls at idle; verify auger spins correctly; ensure chute rotates properly |
| Begin clearing sidewalks | Limited visibility, flying debris, confined width | Drive slowly; use lights and flashers; avoid aiming chute toward windows, cars, or pedestrians |
| Maintain proper sidewalk alignment | Running off edge, striking curbs, rollover risk | Keep speed low; remain centered on sidewalk; avoid operating too close to drop offs or ditches |
| Monitor chute direction | Flying ice, blowing snow reducing visibility | Aim chute away from people, vehicles, buildings, and intersections; adjust as wind shifts |
| Watch for pedestrians | Struck by equipment, poor visibility in snow | Use a spotter in busy areas; stop operations immediately if pedestrians enter work zone |
| Work near roadways | Vehicle contact, snow obscuring operator | Wear Class 3 high visibility PPE; use warning lights; avoid backing into roadways |
| Clear snow in low visibility | Whiteouts, blowing snow, fatigue | Reduce speed; use additional lighting; stop work if visibility becomes unsafe |
| Refuel skid steer | Fire hazard, spill hazard | Shut down engine; refuel on cleared flat surface; wipe up any spills |
| Remove snow buildup from blower | Entanglement, pinch points | Shut down machine; lower attachment to ground; use a tool to remove snow, never hands |
| Finish operations | Slips while exiting machine, equipment left running | Park on level ground; idle down; shut off equipment before exiting |
| Inspect work area | Missed areas, hazards left behind | Walk route; ensure blower debris is not blocking driveways, drains, or intersections |
| Return equipment to storage | Icy shop floors, hot hydraulic components | Park carefully; allow machine to cool; check for hydraulic leaks before storage |
High visibility winter jacket or vest (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
Ice cleats or traction devices (department approved)
Insulated winter gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Hard hat (required if operating under tree limbs, eaves, or low structures)