| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct pre shift inspection | Equipment defects, slippery floors, poor lighting | Inspect loader, compactors, gates, cameras, PPE, and floors; address spills and ice immediately |
| Don required PPE | Cuts, punctures, noise, visibility hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, boots, and high visibility vest |
| Establish traffic flow patterns | Vehicle collisions, public confusion | Use signage, cones, and attendants; create separate lanes for residents and commercial users |
| Direct customers to dump zones | Unpredictable driver behavior | Remain visible; signal clearly; maintain safe distance from moving vehicles |
| Supervise unloading | Falling debris, hidden sharps, sudden truck movement | Stand aside; never stand behind trucks; instruct customers where to place materials |
| Inspect waste for prohibited items | Needles, chemicals, flammables | Visually inspect; isolate suspicious materials; follow HHW or hazardous waste protocol |
| Load waste into pit or compactor | Loader strikes, falling into pit | Operators should maintain slow speeds; use spotters; keep public behind barriers |
| Operate compactor | Crush hazards, flying debris | Ensure chamber is clear; never allow public near machine; follow lockout tagout for jams |
| Manage roll off container changes | Crush hazards, traffic movement | Establish exclusion zone; communicate with truck drivers; keep public far away |
| Handle bulky waste | Back strains, unstable loads, sharp edges | Use team lifts; break down materials; avoid handling oversized items alone |
| Work near tipping floor edge | Fall hazard, sliding material | Maintain safe distance from pit or trailer edge; never walk on unstable waste piles |
| Operate front end loader | Blind spots, struck by hazards | Use trained operators; maintain slow speeds; use horns when approaching blind corners |
| Control dust and odors | Respiratory irritation, poor visibility | Use ventilation or dust suppression; wear respirators when required |
| Respond to spills or leaking waste | Chemical exposure, slip hazards | Use spill kits; absorb and isolate; dispose of contaminated materials properly |
| Handle electronics, tires, metals, or recyclables | Sharp objects, heavy lifting | Follow specific JSAs for these streams; use proper containers; avoid overstacking |
| Maintain public safety | Children entering work zones, distracted residents | Provide clear instructions; enforce boundaries; keep public away from machinery |
| Winter operations | Ice, snow accumulation | Spread salt or grit; wear traction cleats; clear walking paths frequently |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp debris, contamination | Sweep floors; remove loose waste; sanitize equipment; wash hands |
| Post shift inspection | Undocumented hazards | Check for floor damage, leaks, and equipment issues; document and report repairs |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if near moving vehicles)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection (around compactors or heavy equipment)
Long pants and long sleeves
Respirator or dust mask in dusty environments
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Conduct pre shift inspection | Equipment defects, slippery floors, poor lighting | Inspect loader, compactors, gates, cameras, PPE, and floors; address spills and ice immediately |
| Don required PPE | Cuts, punctures, noise, visibility hazards | Wear gloves, safety glasses, boots, and high visibility vest |
| Establish traffic flow patterns | Vehicle collisions, public confusion | Use signage, cones, and attendants; create separate lanes for residents and commercial users |
| Direct customers to dump zones | Unpredictable driver behavior | Remain visible; signal clearly; maintain safe distance from moving vehicles |
| Supervise unloading | Falling debris, hidden sharps, sudden truck movement | Stand aside; never stand behind trucks; instruct customers where to place materials |
| Inspect waste for prohibited items | Needles, chemicals, flammables | Visually inspect; isolate suspicious materials; follow HHW or hazardous waste protocol |
| Load waste into pit or compactor | Loader strikes, falling into pit | Operators should maintain slow speeds; use spotters; keep public behind barriers |
| Operate compactor | Crush hazards, flying debris | Ensure chamber is clear; never allow public near machine; follow lockout tagout for jams |
| Manage roll off container changes | Crush hazards, traffic movement | Establish exclusion zone; communicate with truck drivers; keep public far away |
| Handle bulky waste | Back strains, unstable loads, sharp edges | Use team lifts; break down materials; avoid handling oversized items alone |
| Work near tipping floor edge | Fall hazard, sliding material | Maintain safe distance from pit or trailer edge; never walk on unstable waste piles |
| Operate front end loader | Blind spots, struck by hazards | Use trained operators; maintain slow speeds; use horns when approaching blind corners |
| Control dust and odors | Respiratory irritation, poor visibility | Use ventilation or dust suppression; wear respirators when required |
| Respond to spills or leaking waste | Chemical exposure, slip hazards | Use spill kits; absorb and isolate; dispose of contaminated materials properly |
| Handle electronics, tires, metals, or recyclables | Sharp objects, heavy lifting | Follow specific JSAs for these streams; use proper containers; avoid overstacking |
| Maintain public safety | Children entering work zones, distracted residents | Provide clear instructions; enforce boundaries; keep public away from machinery |
| Winter operations | Ice, snow accumulation | Spread salt or grit; wear traction cleats; clear walking paths frequently |
| End of shift cleanup | Sharp debris, contamination | Sweep floors; remove loose waste; sanitize equipment; wash hands |
| Post shift inspection | Undocumented hazards | Check for floor damage, leaks, and equipment issues; document and report repairs |
High visibility vest or jacket (Class 3 if near moving vehicles)
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Safety glasses or face shield
Hearing protection (around compactors or heavy equipment)
Long pants and long sleeves
Respirator or dust mask in dusty environments