| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Pre trip inspection | Vehicle defects, hydraulic leaks, lighting failures | Conduct full inspection including brakes, lights, hydraulics, backup alarm, mirrors, and tires; report defects immediately |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility, foot injuries, hand injuries | Wear high visibility gear, steel toe boots, gloves, and eye protection |
| Plan route | Traffic hazards, blind intersections | Review route before departure; avoid backing whenever possible; use GPS or printed maps if needed |
| Start vehicle and check surroundings | Pedestrians, coworkers behind truck | Walk around vehicle; verify no one is near rear loading area before moving |
| Approach collection stops | Struck by passing traffic, poor visibility | Signal intentions early; stop close to curb; use hazard and strobe lights |
| Exit cab for manual collection | Slips, trips, falls in debris or weather | Maintain three points of contact; step down cautiously; watch footing on wet or icy ground |
| Load refuse manually | Lifting strains, sharp objects, hidden hazards | Use proper lifting techniques; inspect bags visually; avoid overreaching; wear gloves at all times |
| Operate compactor | Crush hazards, hydraulic pinch points | Keep hands and feet clear; ensure no one is behind truck; activate controls only when area is clear |
| Handle bulky waste | Strains, crushed fingers, unstable loads | Team lift heavy items; use caution when loading furniture or appliances; place items securely |
| Automated arm operation (if applicable) | Striking objects, trapped pedestrians | Ensure arm path is clear; operate slowly; stop immediately if pedestrians appear |
| Backing truck | Limited visibility, struck by vehicle hazards | Use spotter whenever possible; rely on mirrors and camera; use backup alarm; back slowly |
| Work near intersections or high traffic | Being struck by vehicles | Use signs or cones; wear Class 3 high visibility clothing; maintain awareness of surroundings |
| Manage sharps or hazardous materials found | Infection, cuts, chemical exposure | Follow department hazardous waste protocol; do not compact questionable materials; notify supervisor |
| Operate in severe weather | Reduced visibility, slick surfaces | Reduce speed; use additional lighting; take smaller loads if needed; increase attention to footing |
| Return to cab | Slips on steps, entanglement with clothing | Knock snow or mud from boots; maintain three points of contact; avoid carrying anything while climbing |
| Disposal at transfer station | Heavy machinery traffic, tipping hazards | Follow site instructions; stay in assigned lanes; never exit cab in dumping zone unless directed |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp debris, hydraulic equipment hazards | Clean hopper tools carefully; wash hands; inspect PPE for damage |
| Post trip inspection | Missed defects, hydraulic leaks | Check truck for leaks or damage; report issues; secure vehicle properly |
Hard hat (as required by department policy)
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Hearing protection (around compactors or hydraulic equipment)
Weather appropriate clothing
Never ride on steps while truck is moving faster than department policy allows.
Always maintain communication with helpers; hand signals or radios are recommended.
Do not rush collections; most accidents occur during hurried tasks.
Stay alert for pedestrians, especially children who may approach out of curiosity.
Avoid compacting cardboard or bulky materials if they jam the packer; shut off hydraulics first.
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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| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Pre trip inspection | Vehicle defects, hydraulic leaks, lighting failures | Conduct full inspection including brakes, lights, hydraulics, backup alarm, mirrors, and tires; report defects immediately |
| Don required PPE | Low visibility, foot injuries, hand injuries | Wear high visibility gear, steel toe boots, gloves, and eye protection |
| Plan route | Traffic hazards, blind intersections | Review route before departure; avoid backing whenever possible; use GPS or printed maps if needed |
| Start vehicle and check surroundings | Pedestrians, coworkers behind truck | Walk around vehicle; verify no one is near rear loading area before moving |
| Approach collection stops | Struck by passing traffic, poor visibility | Signal intentions early; stop close to curb; use hazard and strobe lights |
| Exit cab for manual collection | Slips, trips, falls in debris or weather | Maintain three points of contact; step down cautiously; watch footing on wet or icy ground |
| Load refuse manually | Lifting strains, sharp objects, hidden hazards | Use proper lifting techniques; inspect bags visually; avoid overreaching; wear gloves at all times |
| Operate compactor | Crush hazards, hydraulic pinch points | Keep hands and feet clear; ensure no one is behind truck; activate controls only when area is clear |
| Handle bulky waste | Strains, crushed fingers, unstable loads | Team lift heavy items; use caution when loading furniture or appliances; place items securely |
| Automated arm operation (if applicable) | Striking objects, trapped pedestrians | Ensure arm path is clear; operate slowly; stop immediately if pedestrians appear |
| Backing truck | Limited visibility, struck by vehicle hazards | Use spotter whenever possible; rely on mirrors and camera; use backup alarm; back slowly |
| Work near intersections or high traffic | Being struck by vehicles | Use signs or cones; wear Class 3 high visibility clothing; maintain awareness of surroundings |
| Manage sharps or hazardous materials found | Infection, cuts, chemical exposure | Follow department hazardous waste protocol; do not compact questionable materials; notify supervisor |
| Operate in severe weather | Reduced visibility, slick surfaces | Reduce speed; use additional lighting; take smaller loads if needed; increase attention to footing |
| Return to cab | Slips on steps, entanglement with clothing | Knock snow or mud from boots; maintain three points of contact; avoid carrying anything while climbing |
| Disposal at transfer station | Heavy machinery traffic, tipping hazards | Follow site instructions; stay in assigned lanes; never exit cab in dumping zone unless directed |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp debris, hydraulic equipment hazards | Clean hopper tools carefully; wash hands; inspect PPE for damage |
| Post trip inspection | Missed defects, hydraulic leaks | Check truck for leaks or damage; report issues; secure vehicle properly |
Hard hat (as required by department policy)
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 recommended)
Steel toe boots
Work gloves
Safety glasses
Hearing protection (around compactors or hydraulic equipment)
Weather appropriate clothing
Never ride on steps while truck is moving faster than department policy allows.
Always maintain communication with helpers; hand signals or radios are recommended.
Do not rush collections; most accidents occur during hurried tasks.
Stay alert for pedestrians, especially children who may approach out of curiosity.
Avoid compacting cardboard or bulky materials if they jam the packer; shut off hydraulics first.