Job Safety Analysis: Front End Loader Operation

• Step	Potential Hazard	Control
  Assess work area	Uneven ground, traffic exposure, blind spots, overhead hazards, soft shoulders	Walk site; identify hazards; mark work zone; use cones if near roadways; assign lookout to monitor surroundings
  Inspect loader	Hydraulic leaks, worn tires, loose cutting edge, malfunctioning lights or alarms	Perform pre start inspection; test steering, brakes, backup alarm, bucket controls, and lighting; remove unsafe equipment from service
  Don required PPE	Eye injuries, struck by hazards, hearing damage	Wear all required PPE before entering work area or cab
  Mount and dismount safely	Slips, falls, grabbing unstable surfaces	Use three points of contact; keep steps clear of mud and ice; never jump from machine
  Start and position loader	Backing hazards, blind spots, contact with vehicles or crew	Use backup camera and mirrors; use spotter when backing; activate beacons; maintain safe clearance from obstacles
  Scoop or lift material	Falling material, bucket rollback, machine tipping	Approach pile slowly; keep bucket low while traveling; avoid overloading; lift only from level ground; keep crew out of loader path
  Carrying material	Obstructed visibility, tipping on uneven terrain	Travel with bucket low for visibility; avoid sudden turns; reduce speed on slopes; never carry elevated loads
  Dumping material	Struck by bucket, falling debris, loader contacting truck	Use hand signals or radios when working with truck; dump from safe height; ensure no one is behind or under bucket at any time
  Working near edges or slopes	Machine sliding, rollover hazard	Maintain safe distance from drop offs; work parallel to slope whenever possible; avoid lifting heavy loads on uneven ground
  Maintain communication	Miscommunication leading to collisions or unsafe actions	Use agreed upon hand signals or radios; stop if communication is unclear or lost
  Parking and shutdown	Machine movement, hot components	Park on level ground; lower bucket to ground; set parking brake; shut off engine; remove key
  Post operation inspection	Leaks, loose hardware, unnoticed damage	Walk around machine; check tires, hoses, and bucket; report and repair deficiencies
  Remove traffic control	Worker exposure to live lanes during takedown	Remove cones and signs in reverse order; use lookout; keep PPE on until roadway is clear

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Heavy Equipment 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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