| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work site | Uneven ground, overhead hazards, nearby traffic, unstable log piles | Walk the site; identify hazards; mark exclusion zones; set cones if working roadside; assign lookout |
| Inspect log loader truck | Hydraulic leaks, damaged grapple, malfunctioning controls, worn tires, broken lights | Perform full pre trip inspection; test grapple open and close functions; verify boom movement; check backup alarm and beacons |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, struck by hazards, falling debris | Wear all PPE before entering work zone or equipment |
| Position truck | Backing hazards, blind spots, contact with overhead limbs or wires | Use spotter when backing; activate beacons; maintain clearance from power lines; park on level stable ground |
| Deploy and use outriggers | Outrigger sinking into soft ground, truck tipping, pinch points during deployment | Inspect ground conditions first; use outrigger pads on soft or uneven surfaces; deploy outriggers fully and evenly; keep crew clear of moving outrigger arms; verify truck stability before operating boom |
| Establish exclusion zone | Crew or bystanders entering swing radius or log drop area | Mark ground boundary; restrict access to swing area; assign lookout to enforce exclusion zone |
| Begin loading operations | Logs rolling, pinching hazards, grapple malfunction, logs striking cab or crew | Keep crew out of loader swing zone; load from stable side; grab logs securely; avoid overreaching with boom |
| Handle and stack logs | Log shift, loss of control, logs falling from truck deck | Keep loads balanced; place logs gently; avoid stacking higher than allowed; secure each layer properly |
| Communicate with ground crew | Miscommunication causing struck by incidents or unsafe movement | Use radios or hand signals; maintain visual contact; stop operations if communication is lost |
| Secure load | Struck by tensioned binders, improper tie down, falling logs | Use proper binders and straps; stand clear of tensioned chains; ensure all logs are firmly secured before transport |
| Transport logs | Logs shifting during travel, tipping hazard, reduced stability | Drive at safe speed; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns; recheck load security after short distance |
| Unload at destination | Falling logs, pinch points, unstable ground | Maintain exclusion zone; unload from safe side; keep crew clear of drop area; release binders slowly |
| Shutdown and inspect equipment | Hydraulic pressure release, hot components | Lower boom; shut off engine; release hydraulic pressure; inspect grap |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection
Long pants and long sleeves
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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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess work site | Uneven ground, overhead hazards, nearby traffic, unstable log piles | Walk the site; identify hazards; mark exclusion zones; set cones if working roadside; assign lookout |
| Inspect log loader truck | Hydraulic leaks, damaged grapple, malfunctioning controls, worn tires, broken lights | Perform full pre trip inspection; test grapple open and close functions; verify boom movement; check backup alarm and beacons |
| Don required PPE | Eye injuries, struck by hazards, falling debris | Wear all PPE before entering work zone or equipment |
| Position truck | Backing hazards, blind spots, contact with overhead limbs or wires | Use spotter when backing; activate beacons; maintain clearance from power lines; park on level stable ground |
| Deploy and use outriggers | Outrigger sinking into soft ground, truck tipping, pinch points during deployment | Inspect ground conditions first; use outrigger pads on soft or uneven surfaces; deploy outriggers fully and evenly; keep crew clear of moving outrigger arms; verify truck stability before operating boom |
| Establish exclusion zone | Crew or bystanders entering swing radius or log drop area | Mark ground boundary; restrict access to swing area; assign lookout to enforce exclusion zone |
| Begin loading operations | Logs rolling, pinching hazards, grapple malfunction, logs striking cab or crew | Keep crew out of loader swing zone; load from stable side; grab logs securely; avoid overreaching with boom |
| Handle and stack logs | Log shift, loss of control, logs falling from truck deck | Keep loads balanced; place logs gently; avoid stacking higher than allowed; secure each layer properly |
| Communicate with ground crew | Miscommunication causing struck by incidents or unsafe movement | Use radios or hand signals; maintain visual contact; stop operations if communication is lost |
| Secure load | Struck by tensioned binders, improper tie down, falling logs | Use proper binders and straps; stand clear of tensioned chains; ensure all logs are firmly secured before transport |
| Transport logs | Logs shifting during travel, tipping hazard, reduced stability | Drive at safe speed; avoid sudden braking or sharp turns; recheck load security after short distance |
| Unload at destination | Falling logs, pinch points, unstable ground | Maintain exclusion zone; unload from safe side; keep crew clear of drop area; release binders slowly |
| Shutdown and inspect equipment | Hydraulic pressure release, hot components | Lower boom; shut off engine; release hydraulic pressure; inspect grap |
Hard hat
Safety glasses or face shield
High visibility vest
Cut resistant gloves
Steel toe boots
Hearing protection
Long pants and long sleeves