| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect work area before mowing | Hidden debris, holes, uneven ground, pets or pedestrians | Walk area; remove sticks, stones, trash; identify soft spots or slopes; ensure public is clear |
| Inspect mower and PPE | Loose guards, dull blade, damaged wheels, missing PPE | Check that blade guard and discharge chute are secure; check fuel cap; verify PPE is worn |
| Fuel the mower (if applicable) | Fire hazard, fuel spills, vapor exposure | Shut off engine; allow engine to cool; refuel outdoors; keep fuel can capped; wipe spills |
| Start mower safely | Kickback, rotating blade hazards | Start on flat ground; stand beside mower, not in front; keep hands and feet clear of deck |
| Begin mowing | Flying debris, uneven footing | Point discharge chute away from people, cars, buildings; maintain solid footing; slow down if turf is wet |
| Mow slopes safely | Slips, mower roll toward operator | Mow across slopes, not up and down; avoid steep slopes; slow down in wet conditions |
| Turn mower at ends of passes | Loss of control, slipping | Reduce speed; make wide turns; maintain two hand control |
| Maintain safe distance from chute | Flying rocks, glass, sticks | Never allow others within discharge zone; use grass bagger when required |
| Avoid obstacles | Blade strikes, thrown objects | Stop mower to move debris; do not push mower into rocks, logs, or metal |
| Work near roads or parking lots | Vehicle hazards, low visibility | Wear high visibility vest; place cones if near travel lanes; maintain awareness of drivers |
| Stop mower before crossing pavement or gravel | Flying debris, loss of traction | Raise deck if possible; slow down; turn off mower if gravel is loose |
| Remove clogs from deck | Cut injuries, entanglement | Shut off engine; disconnect spark plug wire; use stick or tool to clear clogs, not hands |
| Monitor fatigue and noise exposure | Reduced concentration, hearing damage | Take scheduled breaks; continue wearing hearing protection |
| Stop for weather hazards | Lightning, heavy rain, wet grass | Do not mow during storms; wet grass significantly increases slip risk |
| End of shift shutdown | Hot engine, cuts from blade | Let mower cool before storage; clean deck using stick or brush; store away from ignition sources |
| Transport mower safely | Lifting strain, fuel spills | Use ramps for loading; secure mower in truck; keep fuel tank capped |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest when near traffic
Long pants
Gloves (recommended)
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, holes, uneven ground, pets or pedestrians | Walk area; remove sticks, stones, trash; identify soft spots or slopes; ensure public is clear |
| Inspect mower and PPE | Loose guards, dull blade, damaged wheels, missing PPE | Check that blade guard and discharge chute are secure; check fuel cap; verify PPE is worn |
| Fuel the mower (if applicable) | Fire hazard, fuel spills, vapor exposure | Shut off engine; allow engine to cool; refuel outdoors; keep fuel can capped; wipe spills |
| Start mower safely | Kickback, rotating blade hazards | Start on flat ground; stand beside mower, not in front; keep hands and feet clear of deck |
| Begin mowing | Flying debris, uneven footing | Point discharge chute away from people, cars, buildings; maintain solid footing; slow down if turf is wet |
| Mow slopes safely | Slips, mower roll toward operator | Mow across slopes, not up and down; avoid steep slopes; slow down in wet conditions |
| Turn mower at ends of passes | Loss of control, slipping | Reduce speed; make wide turns; maintain two hand control |
| Maintain safe distance from chute | Flying rocks, glass, sticks | Never allow others within discharge zone; use grass bagger when required |
| Avoid obstacles | Blade strikes, thrown objects | Stop mower to move debris; do not push mower into rocks, logs, or metal |
| Work near roads or parking lots | Vehicle hazards, low visibility | Wear high visibility vest; place cones if near travel lanes; maintain awareness of drivers |
| Stop mower before crossing pavement or gravel | Flying debris, loss of traction | Raise deck if possible; slow down; turn off mower if gravel is loose |
| Remove clogs from deck | Cut injuries, entanglement | Shut off engine; disconnect spark plug wire; use stick or tool to clear clogs, not hands |
| Monitor fatigue and noise exposure | Reduced concentration, hearing damage | Take scheduled breaks; continue wearing hearing protection |
| Stop for weather hazards | Lightning, heavy rain, wet grass | Do not mow during storms; wet grass significantly increases slip risk |
| End of shift shutdown | Hot engine, cuts from blade | Let mower cool before storage; clean deck using stick or brush; store away from ignition sources |
| Transport mower safely | Lifting strain, fuel spills | Use ramps for loading; secure mower in truck; keep fuel tank capped |
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest when near traffic
Long pants
Gloves (recommended)