| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct site survey | Underground utilities, overhead lines, restricted planting zones | Call utility locate service; mark underground hazards; check clearance from power lines, signs, and sidewalks |
| Inspect tools and PPE | Broken handles, dull blades, missing PPE | Replace damaged hand tools; verify PPE is worn; check mechanical augers for leaks or loose guards |
| Transport trees to planting site | Strains, falling trees, pinch points | Use carts, dollies, or mechanized equipment for heavy root balls; team lift when needed |
| Dig planting hole | Back strain, hand tool impact, flying soil | Use proper lifting technique; maintain firm footing; keep safe distance between workers |
| Use mechanized auger (if applicable) | Entanglement, vibration, flying debris | Only trained staff operate auger; maintain two person crew; keep bystanders clear; wear hearing protection |
| Remove tree from truck or trailer | Crush hazards, dropped root ball | Use equipment or team lift; ensure root ball is stable; keep fingers away from pinch zones |
| Position tree in hole | Back strain, tipping hazards | Stand tree upright using team effort; stabilize root ball with soil; use proper lifting posture |
| Adjust planting depth and alignment | Strains, slips, unstable footing | Ensure hole is wide enough; backfill gradually; compact soil in layers |
| Stake tree if required | Hand tool impact, tension on ties | Install stakes outside root ball; secure ties loosely; avoid overtightening |
| Add soil amendments or mulch | Dust exposure, lifting strain | Wear mask if dusty; lift bags using legs; avoid piling mulch against trunk (volcanoing) |
| Water tree thoroughly | Slippery ground, hose entanglement | Manage hose to avoid tripping; avoid oversaturating compacted soil near sidewalks |
| Work near traffic | Being struck by vehicles | Wear high visibility vest; use cones; keep crew inside work zone boundaries |
| Clean up work area | Sharp debris, loose tools | Pick up tools, roots, excess soil; remove hose and stakes; leave site free of tripping hazards |
| Document planting | Missing records, planting errors | Record species, location, date, and maintenance notes for tracking |
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest if working near roads
Long pants
Hearing protection if using augers or power tools
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 survey | Underground utilities, overhead lines, restricted planting zones | Call utility locate service; mark underground hazards; check clearance from power lines, signs, and sidewalks |
| Inspect tools and PPE | Broken handles, dull blades, missing PPE | Replace damaged hand tools; verify PPE is worn; check mechanical augers for leaks or loose guards |
| Transport trees to planting site | Strains, falling trees, pinch points | Use carts, dollies, or mechanized equipment for heavy root balls; team lift when needed |
| Dig planting hole | Back strain, hand tool impact, flying soil | Use proper lifting technique; maintain firm footing; keep safe distance between workers |
| Use mechanized auger (if applicable) | Entanglement, vibration, flying debris | Only trained staff operate auger; maintain two person crew; keep bystanders clear; wear hearing protection |
| Remove tree from truck or trailer | Crush hazards, dropped root ball | Use equipment or team lift; ensure root ball is stable; keep fingers away from pinch zones |
| Position tree in hole | Back strain, tipping hazards | Stand tree upright using team effort; stabilize root ball with soil; use proper lifting posture |
| Adjust planting depth and alignment | Strains, slips, unstable footing | Ensure hole is wide enough; backfill gradually; compact soil in layers |
| Stake tree if required | Hand tool impact, tension on ties | Install stakes outside root ball; secure ties loosely; avoid overtightening |
| Add soil amendments or mulch | Dust exposure, lifting strain | Wear mask if dusty; lift bags using legs; avoid piling mulch against trunk (volcanoing) |
| Water tree thoroughly | Slippery ground, hose entanglement | Manage hose to avoid tripping; avoid oversaturating compacted soil near sidewalks |
| Work near traffic | Being struck by vehicles | Wear high visibility vest; use cones; keep crew inside work zone boundaries |
| Clean up work area | Sharp debris, loose tools | Pick up tools, roots, excess soil; remove hose and stakes; leave site free of tripping hazards |
| Document planting | Missing records, planting errors | Record species, location, date, and maintenance notes for tracking |
Safety glasses
Work gloves
Steel toe or sturdy work boots
High visibility vest if working near roads
Long pants
Hearing protection if using augers or power tools