| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct site inspection | Uneven ground, sunken graves, trip hazards, unstable monuments | Walk area first; mark hazardous depressions; report leaning or unstable headstones |
| Inspect equipment and PPE | Loose mower guards, damaged trimmer heads, missing PPE | Verify all safety guards are in place; check fuel caps, belts, and blades; wear required PPE |
| Remove debris from work area | Sharp objects, hidden hazards | Pick up branches, stones, litter, and flags before mowing; avoid disturbing memorial decorations |
| Mow around markers and monuments | Blade strikes, flying debris, damage to monuments | Use push mower in tight spaces; keep discharge away from stones; slow down near markers |
| String trimming around headstones | Flying debris, chipping stone surfaces | Reduce throttle near monuments; do not strike stones; position trimmer head to avoid damage |
| Operate riding or walk behind mowers | Tipovers, uneven ground, rollovers | Avoid mowing over soft ground or near edges of sunken graves; mow slopes properly; wear seatbelt if ROPS is used |
| Work around visitors | Unexpected pedestrian movement | Stop equipment when visitors approach; maintain respectful distance; resume only when area is clear |
| Clean around monuments | Back strain, contact with biological growth | Use proper lifting technique for heavy items; wear gloves; do not pressure wash old or fragile stones |
| Trash and debris removal | Sharp objects, biohazards | Wear gloves; avoid bare hand contact; dispose of flowers or decorations following cemetery policy |
| Resetting minor soil depressions | Shovel use injuries, lifting strain | Use proper lifting technique; fill depressions in thin layers; compact soil carefully |
| Use of blowers for cleanup | Flying debris, dust inhalation | Direct blower away from markers, vehicles, and visitors; wear eye protection |
| Utility vehicle operation | Collisions, uneven terrain | Drive slowly; avoid tight turns near stones; keep pedestrians in view; use designated routes |
| Handling grave fill materials | Musculoskeletal strain, dust exposure | Lift with legs; avoid twisting; wet down dusty soils; use mechanical help when possible |
| Weather hazards | Heat stress, lightning, wet grass slips | Hydrate frequently; stop work during storms; avoid slopes when grass is wet |
| End of shift equipment care | Hot surfaces, blade hazards | Allow equipment to cool; clean decks with tools; check blades, guards, and fuel levels |
| End of shift site inspection | Missed hazards, loose debris | Perform final walk through; remove leftover debris; secure gates if required |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection (mowing, trimming, blowing)
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest when near roadway or parking areas
Long pants
Gloves
Dust mask (optional for dry dusty areas)
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Parks and Grounds 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct site inspection | Uneven ground, sunken graves, trip hazards, unstable monuments | Walk area first; mark hazardous depressions; report leaning or unstable headstones |
| Inspect equipment and PPE | Loose mower guards, damaged trimmer heads, missing PPE | Verify all safety guards are in place; check fuel caps, belts, and blades; wear required PPE |
| Remove debris from work area | Sharp objects, hidden hazards | Pick up branches, stones, litter, and flags before mowing; avoid disturbing memorial decorations |
| Mow around markers and monuments | Blade strikes, flying debris, damage to monuments | Use push mower in tight spaces; keep discharge away from stones; slow down near markers |
| String trimming around headstones | Flying debris, chipping stone surfaces | Reduce throttle near monuments; do not strike stones; position trimmer head to avoid damage |
| Operate riding or walk behind mowers | Tipovers, uneven ground, rollovers | Avoid mowing over soft ground or near edges of sunken graves; mow slopes properly; wear seatbelt if ROPS is used |
| Work around visitors | Unexpected pedestrian movement | Stop equipment when visitors approach; maintain respectful distance; resume only when area is clear |
| Clean around monuments | Back strain, contact with biological growth | Use proper lifting technique for heavy items; wear gloves; do not pressure wash old or fragile stones |
| Trash and debris removal | Sharp objects, biohazards | Wear gloves; avoid bare hand contact; dispose of flowers or decorations following cemetery policy |
| Resetting minor soil depressions | Shovel use injuries, lifting strain | Use proper lifting technique; fill depressions in thin layers; compact soil carefully |
| Use of blowers for cleanup | Flying debris, dust inhalation | Direct blower away from markers, vehicles, and visitors; wear eye protection |
| Utility vehicle operation | Collisions, uneven terrain | Drive slowly; avoid tight turns near stones; keep pedestrians in view; use designated routes |
| Handling grave fill materials | Musculoskeletal strain, dust exposure | Lift with legs; avoid twisting; wet down dusty soils; use mechanical help when possible |
| Weather hazards | Heat stress, lightning, wet grass slips | Hydrate frequently; stop work during storms; avoid slopes when grass is wet |
| End of shift equipment care | Hot surfaces, blade hazards | Allow equipment to cool; clean decks with tools; check blades, guards, and fuel levels |
| End of shift site inspection | Missed hazards, loose debris | Perform final walk through; remove leftover debris; secure gates if required |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection (mowing, trimming, blowing)
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest when near roadway or parking areas
Long pants
Gloves
Dust mask (optional for dry dusty areas)