| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area | Trip hazards, uneven ground, vehicles, pedestrians | Walk the area; remove sticks and debris; identify slopes or soft spots; use cones if near traffic |
| Inspect equipment and PPE | Damaged handles, dull tools, missing PPE | Check wheelbarrows, forks, and rakes; ensure PPE is worn before starting |
| Load mulch into wheelbarrow or loader bucket | Back strain, lifting injuries, dust exposure | Use proper lifting posture; load small amounts at a time; wear gloves and dust mask if needed |
| Transport mulch to work site | Overloaded wheelbarrow, slips, collisions | Avoid overloading; use both hands; take stable paths; communicate with crew to prevent collisions |
| Dump mulch at placement area | Pinched fingers, falling mulch | Keep hands clear of wheelbarrow edges; dump slowly; ensure crew is clear |
| Spread mulch manually | Blisters, repetitive strain, contact with insects or debris | Rotate tasks; use ergonomic tools; wear gloves; avoid sudden twisting |
| Use loader or skid steer to deliver mulch | Equipment striking crew, limited visibility | Only trained operators drive equipment; use spotters; keep pedestrians out of work zone |
| Operate mulch blower truck (if applicable) | Hose pressure, flying debris, noise | Wear hearing protection; maintain firm grip on hose; never aim hose toward people |
| Work near buildings, plantings, or playgrounds | Property damage, public exposure | Reduce dumping height; keep public out of area; avoid burying plant stems or tree trunks |
| Maintain mulch depth | Overapplication, plant damage | Follow recommended depth of 2 to 3 inches; do not pile mulch against trunks (avoid volcano mulching) |
| Work on slopes | Slips, mulch sliding | Move slowly; use footwear with traction; place mulch in small amounts |
| Watch for allergens or insects | Stings, respiratory irritation | Wear long sleeves and gloves; use dust mask; be alert for bees and ants in mulch |
| Hydrate and take breaks | Heat stress, fatigue | Provide water breaks; ensure crew rests in shade during hot weather |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp tools, loose debris | Remove tools from walkways; clean up stray mulch; check equipment for damage |
| Transport tools and equipment | Lifting hazards, falling tools | Secure tools in vehicles; tie down equipment; do not overload trailers |
Safety glasses or face shield
Work gloves
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest when near roads or parking lots
Long pants
Dust mask (optional for dry mulch)
Hearing protection when using powered equipment
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 | Trip hazards, uneven ground, vehicles, pedestrians | Walk the area; remove sticks and debris; identify slopes or soft spots; use cones if near traffic |
| Inspect equipment and PPE | Damaged handles, dull tools, missing PPE | Check wheelbarrows, forks, and rakes; ensure PPE is worn before starting |
| Load mulch into wheelbarrow or loader bucket | Back strain, lifting injuries, dust exposure | Use proper lifting posture; load small amounts at a time; wear gloves and dust mask if needed |
| Transport mulch to work site | Overloaded wheelbarrow, slips, collisions | Avoid overloading; use both hands; take stable paths; communicate with crew to prevent collisions |
| Dump mulch at placement area | Pinched fingers, falling mulch | Keep hands clear of wheelbarrow edges; dump slowly; ensure crew is clear |
| Spread mulch manually | Blisters, repetitive strain, contact with insects or debris | Rotate tasks; use ergonomic tools; wear gloves; avoid sudden twisting |
| Use loader or skid steer to deliver mulch | Equipment striking crew, limited visibility | Only trained operators drive equipment; use spotters; keep pedestrians out of work zone |
| Operate mulch blower truck (if applicable) | Hose pressure, flying debris, noise | Wear hearing protection; maintain firm grip on hose; never aim hose toward people |
| Work near buildings, plantings, or playgrounds | Property damage, public exposure | Reduce dumping height; keep public out of area; avoid burying plant stems or tree trunks |
| Maintain mulch depth | Overapplication, plant damage | Follow recommended depth of 2 to 3 inches; do not pile mulch against trunks (avoid volcano mulching) |
| Work on slopes | Slips, mulch sliding | Move slowly; use footwear with traction; place mulch in small amounts |
| Watch for allergens or insects | Stings, respiratory irritation | Wear long sleeves and gloves; use dust mask; be alert for bees and ants in mulch |
| Hydrate and take breaks | Heat stress, fatigue | Provide water breaks; ensure crew rests in shade during hot weather |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp tools, loose debris | Remove tools from walkways; clean up stray mulch; check equipment for damage |
| Transport tools and equipment | Lifting hazards, falling tools | Secure tools in vehicles; tie down equipment; do not overload trailers |
Safety glasses or face shield
Work gloves
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest when near roads or parking lots
Long pants
Dust mask (optional for dry mulch)
Hearing protection when using powered equipment