| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Review work site and sign location | Underground utility strike, traffic hazards, unstable ground | Contact Dig Safe or applicable utility locating service before driving posts, verify utility markings, inspect soil and roadway conditions |
| Position vehicle and establish work zone | Struck by traffic, poor visibility, vehicle movement | Park safely off roadway, activate warning lights, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD guidelines |
| Inspect powered post driver and accessories | Equipment malfunction, loose components, hydraulic leaks | Check handles, hoses, fuel levels, trigger controls, and impact head before use |
| Transport sign post and equipment to location | Back strain, pinched fingers, slips and falls | Use proper lifting techniques, carry materials carefully, maintain stable footing |
| Position sign post for driving | Struck by falling post, unstable positioning | Ensure post is plumb and stable before starting, maintain clear communication with crew members |
| Start and operate powered post driver | Hand arm vibration, hearing damage, struck by moving equipment | Wear hearing protection, maintain firm grip, keep body balanced, follow manufacturer operating procedures |
| Drive sign post into ground | Underground utility strike, flying debris, loss of control | Stop immediately if unexpected resistance, sparks, or utility markers are encountered, keep bystanders clear, wear eye protection |
| Adjust or reposition post if needed | Pinch points, strain injuries | Shut off equipment before repositioning, use teamwork for heavy posts |
| Install sign panel or hardware | Cuts, dropped tools, working near traffic | Use proper hand tools, maintain awareness of traffic, avoid overreaching |
| Shut down and store equipment | Burns from hot engine, accidental startup | Turn off equipment, allow engine to cool, secure tools and fuel properly |
| Remove traffic control and inspect site | Worker exposure to traffic, unstable post installation | Confirm post is secure and plumb, retrieve cones and signs safely, inspect area for hazards before leaving |
Always contact your local utility locating service such as Dig Safe before driving sign posts or performing any ground penetrating activity. Underground electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber optic, and communication lines may be present even in seemingly remote areas. Failure to locate utilities before work begins can result in serious injury, death, service disruption, or costly repairs.
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Roadway Maintenance Operations
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Review work site and sign location | Underground utility strike, traffic hazards, unstable ground | Contact Dig Safe or applicable utility locating service before driving posts, verify utility markings, inspect soil and roadway conditions |
| Position vehicle and establish work zone | Struck by traffic, poor visibility, vehicle movement | Park safely off roadway, activate warning lights, deploy cones and signs according to MUTCD guidelines |
| Inspect powered post driver and accessories | Equipment malfunction, loose components, hydraulic leaks | Check handles, hoses, fuel levels, trigger controls, and impact head before use |
| Transport sign post and equipment to location | Back strain, pinched fingers, slips and falls | Use proper lifting techniques, carry materials carefully, maintain stable footing |
| Position sign post for driving | Struck by falling post, unstable positioning | Ensure post is plumb and stable before starting, maintain clear communication with crew members |
| Start and operate powered post driver | Hand arm vibration, hearing damage, struck by moving equipment | Wear hearing protection, maintain firm grip, keep body balanced, follow manufacturer operating procedures |
| Drive sign post into ground | Underground utility strike, flying debris, loss of control | Stop immediately if unexpected resistance, sparks, or utility markers are encountered, keep bystanders clear, wear eye protection |
| Adjust or reposition post if needed | Pinch points, strain injuries | Shut off equipment before repositioning, use teamwork for heavy posts |
| Install sign panel or hardware | Cuts, dropped tools, working near traffic | Use proper hand tools, maintain awareness of traffic, avoid overreaching |
| Shut down and store equipment | Burns from hot engine, accidental startup | Turn off equipment, allow engine to cool, secure tools and fuel properly |
| Remove traffic control and inspect site | Worker exposure to traffic, unstable post installation | Confirm post is secure and plumb, retrieve cones and signs safely, inspect area for hazards before leaving |
Always contact your local utility locating service such as Dig Safe before driving sign posts or performing any ground penetrating activity. Underground electric, gas, water, sewer, fiber optic, and communication lines may be present even in seemingly remote areas. Failure to locate utilities before work begins can result in serious injury, death, service disruption, or costly repairs.