| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Park truck safely | Exposure to traffic, poor visibility, icy parking area | Park in designated area; activate hazard lights; use cones if roadside; avoid sloped or icy surfaces when possible |
| Exit cab carefully | Slips on ice, stepping into snow ruts | Maintain three points of contact; test ground with foot before stepping fully; clear snow from step if needed |
| Gather tools and chains | Strains from lifting chains, slipping on snow | Use careful lifting; carry chains close to body; wear traction cleats |
| Inspect chains for damage | Cuts from sharp links, broken connectors | Wear gloves; check for broken or twisted links; replace damaged chains |
| Lay chains out behind or in front of tires | Slips while stooping, icy ground contact | Use kneeling pad; keep feet wide for balance; avoid kneeling directly on ice |
| Position chains around tire | Pinched fingers, unstable footing, cold exposure | Pull chain ends carefully; keep fingers clear of moving sections; stand balanced on both feet |
| Roll truck slightly to position chains under tire | Vehicle movement hazard | Communicate with driver; ensure no one is behind or under truck; roll truck a few inches only |
| Connect inside fasteners | Awkward posture, cold affecting grip, pinch points | Use kneeling pad; keep gloves on; fasten from side, not under truck |
| Connect outside fasteners | Chain recoil, slipping, finger injuries | Keep tension controlled; secure links one at a time; maintain stable stance |
| Install tensioners | Chain snapback, cold stiffening rubber | Attach tensioners evenly; keep face out of recoil zone |
| Test chain alignment | Chain slippage, improper seating | Drive truck a short distance; inspect chain movement; tighten if needed |
| Clear work zone | Leftover tools becoming hazards | Collect tools and mats; check ground for dropped links or equipment |
| Re enter cab | Slips from snow on boots | Knock snow off boots; maintain three points of contact |
High visibility winter jacket or vest (Class 3 encouraged)
Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
Ice cleats or traction devices (department approved)
Winter gloves with good grip
Safety glasses
Hard hat (optional depending on site conditions)
Insulated clothing appropriate for wind and moisture
Extra Note:
There are many types of tire chains, each with their own inherent risks. Please following manufacturer's guidance.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Park truck safely | Exposure to traffic, poor visibility, icy parking area | Park in designated area; activate hazard lights; use cones if roadside; avoid sloped or icy surfaces when possible |
| Exit cab carefully | Slips on ice, stepping into snow ruts | Maintain three points of contact; test ground with foot before stepping fully; clear snow from step if needed |
| Gather tools and chains | Strains from lifting chains, slipping on snow | Use careful lifting; carry chains close to body; wear traction cleats |
| Inspect chains for damage | Cuts from sharp links, broken connectors | Wear gloves; check for broken or twisted links; replace damaged chains |
| Lay chains out behind or in front of tires | Slips while stooping, icy ground contact | Use kneeling pad; keep feet wide for balance; avoid kneeling directly on ice |
| Position chains around tire | Pinched fingers, unstable footing, cold exposure | Pull chain ends carefully; keep fingers clear of moving sections; stand balanced on both feet |
| Roll truck slightly to position chains under tire | Vehicle movement hazard | Communicate with driver; ensure no one is behind or under truck; roll truck a few inches only |
| Connect inside fasteners | Awkward posture, cold affecting grip, pinch points | Use kneeling pad; keep gloves on; fasten from side, not under truck |
| Connect outside fasteners | Chain recoil, slipping, finger injuries | Keep tension controlled; secure links one at a time; maintain stable stance |
| Install tensioners | Chain snapback, cold stiffening rubber | Attach tensioners evenly; keep face out of recoil zone |
| Test chain alignment | Chain slippage, improper seating | Drive truck a short distance; inspect chain movement; tighten if needed |
| Clear work zone | Leftover tools becoming hazards | Collect tools and mats; check ground for dropped links or equipment |
| Re enter cab | Slips from snow on boots | Knock snow off boots; maintain three points of contact |
High visibility winter jacket or vest (Class 3 encouraged)
Steel toe boots with slip resistant soles
Ice cleats or traction devices (department approved)
Winter gloves with good grip
Safety glasses
Hard hat (optional depending on site conditions)
Insulated clothing appropriate for wind and moisture
Extra Note:
There are many types of tire chains, each with their own inherent risks. Please following manufacturer's guidance.