Job Safety Analysis: Bulk Item Pickup

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Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess collection area Struck by traffic, hidden debris, unsafe footing Park tight to curb; activate hazard lights; use cones if needed; check for ice, holes, or loose gravel
Don required PPE Hand injuries, foot injuries, low visibility Wear gloves, steel toe boots, high visibility vest or jacket, and safety glasses
Inspect items before lifting Sharp edges, broken glass, insects, rodents Walk around items; check for nails, sharp metal, or contamination; remove hazards as needed
Plan lifting method Back strains, awkward loads Determine if team lift or equipment is required; use dollies or straps for awkward items
Lift and move items Overexertion, slips, dropped loads Use proper lifting technique; lift with legs; keep pathway clear; maintain communication during team lifts
Load items into truck Pinch points, shifting loads, falling items Load from side, not directly behind truck; secure items as needed; never climb into hopper or truck bed
Use lift gate (if equipped) Pinched fingers, unstable items, fall hazards Keep hands clear of moving parts; center items on gate; stand clear while gate moves
Operate grapple truck (if used) Swing radius hazards, overhead hazards Establish exclusion zone; avoid power lines; ensure no one is under suspended loads
Handle appliances Refrigerant leaks, sharp edges, heavy weight Keep appliances upright; remove doors from refrigerators; use team lift or mechanical aid
Handle mattresses and upholstered items Hidden bedbugs or contaminants Lift with gloves; minimize dragging; avoid shaking items
Handle construction debris Nails, heavy wood, sharp metal Wear cut resistant gloves; separate jagged items; team lift heavy components
Work near roadways Reduced driver visibility, distracted drivers Wear Class 3 PPE; stay on curb side; use traffic control when necessary
Work in winter weather Slips, icy footing Use traction cleats; shovel small work area if needed; take smaller loads
Back up truck Limited visibility, struck by hazards Use spotter; maintain radio or hand signal communication; back slowly
Secure load for transport Load shift, road debris hazards Tie down large items; ensure nothing can fall from truck
Dispose at transfer station Heavy machinery hazards, tipping zone risks Follow facility rules; stay in designated areas; never exit cab in tipping zone unless directed
End of route cleanup Sharp debris, residual contamination Pick up small scraps; sweep if necessary; wash hands and inspect PPE
Post trip inspection Missed damage, leaks Check truck for defects; secure vehicle; document issues

Suggested Personal Protective Equipment

  • High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)

  • Steel toe boots

  • Work gloves (cut resistant recommended)

  • Safety glasses

  • Hearing protection when near hydraulics

  • Weather appropriate clothing

Additional Best Practices

  • Do not attempt to lift waterlogged furniture without assistance.

  • If you suspect hazardous material in a bulky item, stop and notify a supervisor.

  • Avoid compacting bulky items in the hopper if they may jam the packer.

  • Use radios to maintain communication between driver and crew at all times.

  • Establish clear hand signals for lifting and loading.

Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.

JSA Category: Solid Waste and Recycling 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.

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Job Safety Analysis
Department: __________________________________
Job/Task:   Bulk Item Pickup
Location: __________________________________
Date: ____ /____ /____
Supervisor: __________________________________
Crew: __________________________________
Step Potential Hazard Control
Assess collection area Struck by traffic, hidden debris, unsafe footing Park tight to curb; activate hazard lights; use cones if needed; check for ice, holes, or loose gravel
Don required PPE Hand injuries, foot injuries, low visibility Wear gloves, steel toe boots, high visibility vest or jacket, and safety glasses
Inspect items before lifting Sharp edges, broken glass, insects, rodents Walk around items; check for nails, sharp metal, or contamination; remove hazards as needed
Plan lifting method Back strains, awkward loads Determine if team lift or equipment is required; use dollies or straps for awkward items
Lift and move items Overexertion, slips, dropped loads Use proper lifting technique; lift with legs; keep pathway clear; maintain communication during team lifts
Load items into truck Pinch points, shifting loads, falling items Load from side, not directly behind truck; secure items as needed; never climb into hopper or truck bed
Use lift gate (if equipped) Pinched fingers, unstable items, fall hazards Keep hands clear of moving parts; center items on gate; stand clear while gate moves
Operate grapple truck (if used) Swing radius hazards, overhead hazards Establish exclusion zone; avoid power lines; ensure no one is under suspended loads
Handle appliances Refrigerant leaks, sharp edges, heavy weight Keep appliances upright; remove doors from refrigerators; use team lift or mechanical aid
Handle mattresses and upholstered items Hidden bedbugs or contaminants Lift with gloves; minimize dragging; avoid shaking items
Handle construction debris Nails, heavy wood, sharp metal Wear cut resistant gloves; separate jagged items; team lift heavy components
Work near roadways Reduced driver visibility, distracted drivers Wear Class 3 PPE; stay on curb side; use traffic control when necessary
Work in winter weather Slips, icy footing Use traction cleats; shovel small work area if needed; take smaller loads
Back up truck Limited visibility, struck by hazards Use spotter; maintain radio or hand signal communication; back slowly
Secure load for transport Load shift, road debris hazards Tie down large items; ensure nothing can fall from truck
Dispose at transfer station Heavy machinery hazards, tipping zone risks Follow facility rules; stay in designated areas; never exit cab in tipping zone unless directed
End of route cleanup Sharp debris, residual contamination Pick up small scraps; sweep if necessary; wash hands and inspect PPE
Post trip inspection Missed damage, leaks Check truck for defects; secure vehicle; document issues
Suggested Personal Protective Equipment


Additional Best Practices

Supervisor signature: __________________________________
Employee initials: ______________________________________________________________________________________________________