| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Receive call and gather information | Incomplete or incorrect information, responding to unsafe location without preparation | Obtain as much detail as possible about the hazard; clarify location, type of obstruction, traffic conditions, and hazards such as wires or flooding |
| Assess response route and conditions | Traveling in hazardous weather, low visibility, debris in roadway, panicked motorists | Drive with caution; use beacons; avoid excessive speed; communicate with dispatch or supervisor en route |
| Arrive on scene and assess conditions | Motorists not expecting workers, unstable roadway, debris, downed wires, standing water | Park safely with angle for protection; activate hazard lights and beacons; perform visual 360 degree assessment; never approach downed wires |
| Establish work zone | Workers exposed to live traffic, motorists entering hazard area | Use cones, flares if allowed, temporary signs, and vehicle positioning; assign lookout; consider requesting law enforcement assistance if needed |
| Identify hazards and prioritize tasks | Unknown debris content, hazardous materials, unstable trees, active utility hazards | Identify and mark hazards; call utility companies for downed wires; isolate hazardous materials; stop work until scene is safe |
| Clear debris and obstructions | Sharp objects, heavy material, unstable limbs, slips in mud or snow | Use hand tools and mechanical equipment as appropriate; maintain footing; lift with legs; keep hands clear of pinch points; watch for shifting piles |
| Coordinate with other responders | Miscommunication with police, fire, EMS, or utility workers | Use radio or direct communication; assign one point of contact; follow unified command if multiple agencies are present |
| Manage traffic around the incident | Vehicles entering restricted area, distracted drivers, night time hazards | Use flaggers if necessary; adjust cone spacing; provide clear guidance; stand in protected areas; maintain escape routes |
| Address secondary hazards (flooding, erosion, ice) | Slips, soft shoulders, roadway collapse | Test ground stability; avoid standing water with unknown depth; report hazards requiring further repair; close road if unsafe |
| Reassess site after clearing | Hidden hazards remaining, incomplete debris removal | Perform final walk through; verify lane is safe and free from hazards; confirm visibility of pavement markings and signage |
| Remove temporary traffic control | Crew exposed during takedown | Remove devices only after confirming roadway is safe; maintain lookout; keep warning lights active until completion |
| Report and document incident | Missing information, unclear follow up needs | Record location, actions taken, remaining hazards, and equipment used; report to supervisor for further maintenance needs |
Hard hat
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 strongly recommended)
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using equipment
Weather appropriate clothing
Respiratory protection if responding to dust, smoke, or chemical irritants
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Emergency Response 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Receive call and gather information | Incomplete or incorrect information, responding to unsafe location without preparation | Obtain as much detail as possible about the hazard; clarify location, type of obstruction, traffic conditions, and hazards such as wires or flooding |
| Assess response route and conditions | Traveling in hazardous weather, low visibility, debris in roadway, panicked motorists | Drive with caution; use beacons; avoid excessive speed; communicate with dispatch or supervisor en route |
| Arrive on scene and assess conditions | Motorists not expecting workers, unstable roadway, debris, downed wires, standing water | Park safely with angle for protection; activate hazard lights and beacons; perform visual 360 degree assessment; never approach downed wires |
| Establish work zone | Workers exposed to live traffic, motorists entering hazard area | Use cones, flares if allowed, temporary signs, and vehicle positioning; assign lookout; consider requesting law enforcement assistance if needed |
| Identify hazards and prioritize tasks | Unknown debris content, hazardous materials, unstable trees, active utility hazards | Identify and mark hazards; call utility companies for downed wires; isolate hazardous materials; stop work until scene is safe |
| Clear debris and obstructions | Sharp objects, heavy material, unstable limbs, slips in mud or snow | Use hand tools and mechanical equipment as appropriate; maintain footing; lift with legs; keep hands clear of pinch points; watch for shifting piles |
| Coordinate with other responders | Miscommunication with police, fire, EMS, or utility workers | Use radio or direct communication; assign one point of contact; follow unified command if multiple agencies are present |
| Manage traffic around the incident | Vehicles entering restricted area, distracted drivers, night time hazards | Use flaggers if necessary; adjust cone spacing; provide clear guidance; stand in protected areas; maintain escape routes |
| Address secondary hazards (flooding, erosion, ice) | Slips, soft shoulders, roadway collapse | Test ground stability; avoid standing water with unknown depth; report hazards requiring further repair; close road if unsafe |
| Reassess site after clearing | Hidden hazards remaining, incomplete debris removal | Perform final walk through; verify lane is safe and free from hazards; confirm visibility of pavement markings and signage |
| Remove temporary traffic control | Crew exposed during takedown | Remove devices only after confirming roadway is safe; maintain lookout; keep warning lights active until completion |
| Report and document incident | Missing information, unclear follow up needs | Record location, actions taken, remaining hazards, and equipment used; report to supervisor for further maintenance needs |
Hard hat
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 strongly recommended)
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Hearing protection when using equipment
Weather appropriate clothing
Respiratory protection if responding to dust, smoke, or chemical irritants