| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Assess site conditions | Unstable slopes, loose soil, overhead hazards, traffic, falling rocks | Conduct thorough site walk; identify signs of slope failure; set cones or barricades; assign lookout; evaluate need for geotechnical support |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Faulty compactors, damaged excavator buckets, worn chains or ropes, defective soil nails or anchors | Perform pre operation inspection; check hydraulic systems, cutting edges, rigging gear, and erosion control materials |
| Don required PPE | Falling debris, uneven footing, dust, sharp materials | Wear hard hat, gloves, high visibility vest, safety glasses, and boots appropriate for soft or rocky terrain |
| Establish exclusion zone | Workers inside potential slide area, equipment striking personnel | Mark hazard zone around toe and face of slope; limit exposure time; designate safe escape routes |
| Remove loose material from slope face | Falling debris, unexpected soil movement | Use long handled tools; work from safe distance; avoid standing directly below areas being cleaned |
| Excavate or regrade slope | Equipment tipping, bucket contact, collapse of unsupported soil | Use controlled cuts; avoid overreaching; maintain safe setback; never place equipment on unstable soil |
| Install erosion control blankets or geotextile | Slips on steep slopes, cuts from staples or pins | Use team lifts for large rolls; maintain stable footing; use proper tools for anchoring |
| Install riprap or stone stabilization | Heavy lifting, rolling rocks, equipment contact | Use machinery for large stones; keep hands out of pinch points; ensure stable placement before adding more material |
| Install soil nails, stakes, or anchors | Pinch points, tension release, falling tools | Follow manufacturer guidelines; stand clear during tensioning; maintain communication with equipment operators |
| Apply vegetative stabilization (seeding, hydroseeding, planting) | Slips, uneven ground, exposure to chemicals in hydroseed mix | Maintain firm footing; follow safe handling procedures for hydroseeding materials; avoid overspray |
| Compact soil layers | Equipment vibration hazards, slipping on slopes, operator losing control | Compact from bottom up; do not over compact near slope edge; ensure operator stays on stable ground |
| Control water runoff | Sudden water release, erosion during work | Install temporary check dams or diversion berms; monitor weather forecast; stop work during heavy rain |
| Inspect completed stabilization work | Loose stones, inadequate anchoring, unstable soil | Conduct inspection only from safe zones; ensure installed materials are secure |
| Clean and restore work area | Remaining debris, trip hazards, stormwater obstruction | Remove excess soil and materials; clean inlets; ensure slope toe is stable and unobstructed |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles or equipment | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near equipment
Respiratory protection if dust or soil aerosols are present
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Stormwater, Drainage, and Waterways
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Assess site conditions | Unstable slopes, loose soil, overhead hazards, traffic, falling rocks | Conduct thorough site walk; identify signs of slope failure; set cones or barricades; assign lookout; evaluate need for geotechnical support |
| Inspect tools and equipment | Faulty compactors, damaged excavator buckets, worn chains or ropes, defective soil nails or anchors | Perform pre operation inspection; check hydraulic systems, cutting edges, rigging gear, and erosion control materials |
| Don required PPE | Falling debris, uneven footing, dust, sharp materials | Wear hard hat, gloves, high visibility vest, safety glasses, and boots appropriate for soft or rocky terrain |
| Establish exclusion zone | Workers inside potential slide area, equipment striking personnel | Mark hazard zone around toe and face of slope; limit exposure time; designate safe escape routes |
| Remove loose material from slope face | Falling debris, unexpected soil movement | Use long handled tools; work from safe distance; avoid standing directly below areas being cleaned |
| Excavate or regrade slope | Equipment tipping, bucket contact, collapse of unsupported soil | Use controlled cuts; avoid overreaching; maintain safe setback; never place equipment on unstable soil |
| Install erosion control blankets or geotextile | Slips on steep slopes, cuts from staples or pins | Use team lifts for large rolls; maintain stable footing; use proper tools for anchoring |
| Install riprap or stone stabilization | Heavy lifting, rolling rocks, equipment contact | Use machinery for large stones; keep hands out of pinch points; ensure stable placement before adding more material |
| Install soil nails, stakes, or anchors | Pinch points, tension release, falling tools | Follow manufacturer guidelines; stand clear during tensioning; maintain communication with equipment operators |
| Apply vegetative stabilization (seeding, hydroseeding, planting) | Slips, uneven ground, exposure to chemicals in hydroseed mix | Maintain firm footing; follow safe handling procedures for hydroseeding materials; avoid overspray |
| Compact soil layers | Equipment vibration hazards, slipping on slopes, operator losing control | Compact from bottom up; do not over compact near slope edge; ensure operator stays on stable ground |
| Control water runoff | Sudden water release, erosion during work | Install temporary check dams or diversion berms; monitor weather forecast; stop work during heavy rain |
| Inspect completed stabilization work | Loose stones, inadequate anchoring, unstable soil | Conduct inspection only from safe zones; ensure installed materials are secure |
| Clean and restore work area | Remaining debris, trip hazards, stormwater obstruction | Remove excess soil and materials; clean inlets; ensure slope toe is stable and unobstructed |
| Remove traffic control | Exposure to moving vehicles or equipment | Remove cones and signs in reverse order; maintain lookout; keep PPE on until area is fully clear |
Hard hat
Safety glasses
High visibility vest or jacket
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves
Long pants and long sleeves
Hearing protection near equipment
Respiratory protection if dust or soil aerosols are present