| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess slope and terrain | Unstable soil, holes, erosion channels, loose rocks, hidden debris | Walk the site; identify hazards; mark obstacles; evaluate if slope exceeds equipment capability |
| Inspect mower and attachments | Brake failure, blade damage, hydraulic leaks, faulty PTO | Conduct full pre operation inspection; check blades, belts, guards, tracks or tires, and safety controls |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, noise, uneven terrain | Wear hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, steel toe boots, and high visibility vest |
| Establish work zone | Traffic exposure, mower entering roadway | Set up MUTCD compliant cones and signs; assign lookout; never mow with your back to traffic |
| Determine mowing direction | Equipment rollover, operator entrapment | Mow up and down slopes rather than across when possible; follow manufacturer slope limits; use remote operated mowers for steep slopes |
| Clear large debris from slope | Slips, snake or insect hazards, sharp objects | Remove debris manually before mowing; maintain secure footing; use gloves and long handled tools |
| Begin mowing operation | Rollover, mower slide, flying objects | Start mowing at top if safe; maintain slow steady speed; keep discharge pointed away from workers and public |
| Maintain safe distance from embankment edges | Equipment falling into ditch or roadway | Stay well back from drop offs; use equipment with slope sensors; have a spotter monitor distance from edges |
| Operate near obstacles (signs, culverts, guardrails) | Equipment strike, operator injury | Approach obstacles slowly; mow around manually if needed; avoid tight turns on slopes |
| Watch for soft or saturated soil | Loss of traction, rollover | Avoid wet areas; if soil softens, stop and back out slowly; do not attempt sharp turns |
| Use hand tools for finishing | Contact with blades, slips, uneven footing | Shut off mower first; use trimmers only when footing is stable; maintain safe spacing between workers |
| Monitor weather and visibility | Reduced traction, poor footing, overheating | Stop mowing during heavy rain or lightning; avoid working in low visibility or extreme heat |
| Shut down mower safely | Burns, entanglement | Disengage blades before stopping; allow engine to cool; park on level surface |
| Clean equipment | Contact with hot blades, debris ejection | Use tools to clear debris; avoid reaching near blades; let mower cool completely |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, debris left in roadway | Walk slope carefully; clear any remaining debris; ensure drainage structures are unobstructed |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to traffic | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots with aggressive tread
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection
Respirator if dust, pollen, or mold is significant
Slope mower (tracked, flail, or remote controlled)
Standard tractor with side mount mower (for moderate slopes only)
Weed trimmers or brush cutters for edging
Traffic control devices
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Assess slope and terrain | Unstable soil, holes, erosion channels, loose rocks, hidden debris | Walk the site; identify hazards; mark obstacles; evaluate if slope exceeds equipment capability |
| Inspect mower and attachments | Brake failure, blade damage, hydraulic leaks, faulty PTO | Conduct full pre operation inspection; check blades, belts, guards, tracks or tires, and safety controls |
| Don required PPE | Flying debris, noise, uneven terrain | Wear hearing protection, safety glasses, gloves, steel toe boots, and high visibility vest |
| Establish work zone | Traffic exposure, mower entering roadway | Set up MUTCD compliant cones and signs; assign lookout; never mow with your back to traffic |
| Determine mowing direction | Equipment rollover, operator entrapment | Mow up and down slopes rather than across when possible; follow manufacturer slope limits; use remote operated mowers for steep slopes |
| Clear large debris from slope | Slips, snake or insect hazards, sharp objects | Remove debris manually before mowing; maintain secure footing; use gloves and long handled tools |
| Begin mowing operation | Rollover, mower slide, flying objects | Start mowing at top if safe; maintain slow steady speed; keep discharge pointed away from workers and public |
| Maintain safe distance from embankment edges | Equipment falling into ditch or roadway | Stay well back from drop offs; use equipment with slope sensors; have a spotter monitor distance from edges |
| Operate near obstacles (signs, culverts, guardrails) | Equipment strike, operator injury | Approach obstacles slowly; mow around manually if needed; avoid tight turns on slopes |
| Watch for soft or saturated soil | Loss of traction, rollover | Avoid wet areas; if soil softens, stop and back out slowly; do not attempt sharp turns |
| Use hand tools for finishing | Contact with blades, slips, uneven footing | Shut off mower first; use trimmers only when footing is stable; maintain safe spacing between workers |
| Monitor weather and visibility | Reduced traction, poor footing, overheating | Stop mowing during heavy rain or lightning; avoid working in low visibility or extreme heat |
| Shut down mower safely | Burns, entanglement | Disengage blades before stopping; allow engine to cool; park on level surface |
| Clean equipment | Contact with hot blades, debris ejection | Use tools to clear debris; avoid reaching near blades; let mower cool completely |
| Final site inspection | Missed hazards, debris left in roadway | Walk slope carefully; clear any remaining debris; ensure drainage structures are unobstructed |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to traffic | Remove devices in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots with aggressive tread
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection
Respirator if dust, pollen, or mold is significant
Slope mower (tracked, flail, or remote controlled)
Standard tractor with side mount mower (for moderate slopes only)
Weed trimmers or brush cutters for edging
Traffic control devices