| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area before mowing | Hidden debris, rocks, uneven ground, bystanders | Walk the site; remove sticks, trash, and stones; identify holes or soft spots; clear pedestrians |
| Inspect mower and PPE | Dull blades, fuel leaks, loose guards, missing PPE | Verify blade sharpness, shields in place, fuel cap secure, tires inflated; wear all required PPE |
| Check surroundings for traffic | Being struck by vehicles, distracted drivers | Wear high visibility vest; place cones if near roadway; maintain awareness of vehicle movement |
| Start mower safely | Kickback, moving blades, fumes | Start on level ground; never start indoors; keep hands and feet away from blade housing |
| Push or operate mower | Slips, trips, uneven surfaces, muscle strain | Mow across slopes with push mowers; mow up and down slopes with riding mowers; keep both hands on handles |
| Keep safe distance from discharge chute | Flying rocks, glass, metal fragments | Ensure chute faces away from people, cars, and buildings; use grass catcher when required |
| Turn mower safely | Tipping, loss of control | Slow down before turning; avoid sharp turns on slopes; keep footing stable |
| Refuel mower | Fire hazard, fuel spills | Turn off engine; allow engine to cool; refuel outdoors; wipe up spills immediately |
| Use riding mower | Tipover, falling off machine, contact with blade | Wear seatbelt if mower has ROPS; avoid steep slopes; keep hands and feet clear of deck |
| Work near public areas | Children approaching, pedestrians entering zone | Stop mower when people enter the area; use spotter if working near play areas or sidewalks |
| Backing up mower | Blind spots, running over objects | Look behind first; back slowly; avoid backing on slopes |
| Remove clogs or clear deck | Entanglement, cut injuries | Shut off completely; disconnect spark plug on push mowers; remove clogs with a stick, not hands |
| Crossing pavement or gravel | Flying debris, slipping | Lift deck higher; reduce speed; keep discharge chute away from vehicles and buildings |
| Stop for weather issues | Reduced visibility, wet grass slip hazards | Cease operation during heavy rain, lightning, or standing water |
| End of job cleanup | Hot engine parts, sharp blades | Allow machine to cool; clean deck with stick or scraper; store equipment safely |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
High visibility vest (especially near roads or parking lots)
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
Long pants
Gloves (optional but recommended)
When using a riding mower with ROPS, always wear the seatbelt.
Never allow passengers on riding mowers.
Keep a minimum 50 foot distance from people, cars, or buildings when mowing with discharge chute open.
Replace missing safety shields immediately.
Avoid mowing near steep embankments where rollovers are possible.
Wear hearing protection during all mower operations.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area before mowing | Hidden debris, rocks, uneven ground, bystanders | Walk the site; remove sticks, trash, and stones; identify holes or soft spots; clear pedestrians |
| Inspect mower and PPE | Dull blades, fuel leaks, loose guards, missing PPE | Verify blade sharpness, shields in place, fuel cap secure, tires inflated; wear all required PPE |
| Check surroundings for traffic | Being struck by vehicles, distracted drivers | Wear high visibility vest; place cones if near roadway; maintain awareness of vehicle movement |
| Start mower safely | Kickback, moving blades, fumes | Start on level ground; never start indoors; keep hands and feet away from blade housing |
| Push or operate mower | Slips, trips, uneven surfaces, muscle strain | Mow across slopes with push mowers; mow up and down slopes with riding mowers; keep both hands on handles |
| Keep safe distance from discharge chute | Flying rocks, glass, metal fragments | Ensure chute faces away from people, cars, and buildings; use grass catcher when required |
| Turn mower safely | Tipping, loss of control | Slow down before turning; avoid sharp turns on slopes; keep footing stable |
| Refuel mower | Fire hazard, fuel spills | Turn off engine; allow engine to cool; refuel outdoors; wipe up spills immediately |
| Use riding mower | Tipover, falling off machine, contact with blade | Wear seatbelt if mower has ROPS; avoid steep slopes; keep hands and feet clear of deck |
| Work near public areas | Children approaching, pedestrians entering zone | Stop mower when people enter the area; use spotter if working near play areas or sidewalks |
| Backing up mower | Blind spots, running over objects | Look behind first; back slowly; avoid backing on slopes |
| Remove clogs or clear deck | Entanglement, cut injuries | Shut off completely; disconnect spark plug on push mowers; remove clogs with a stick, not hands |
| Crossing pavement or gravel | Flying debris, slipping | Lift deck higher; reduce speed; keep discharge chute away from vehicles and buildings |
| Stop for weather issues | Reduced visibility, wet grass slip hazards | Cease operation during heavy rain, lightning, or standing water |
| End of job cleanup | Hot engine parts, sharp blades | Allow machine to cool; clean deck with stick or scraper; store equipment safely |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
High visibility vest (especially near roads or parking lots)
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
Long pants
Gloves (optional but recommended)
When using a riding mower with ROPS, always wear the seatbelt.
Never allow passengers on riding mowers.
Keep a minimum 50 foot distance from people, cars, or buildings when mowing with discharge chute open.
Replace missing safety shields immediately.
Avoid mowing near steep embankments where rollovers are possible.
Wear hearing protection during all mower operations.