| Step | Potential Hazard | Control |
|---|---|---|
| Plan route and scope of mobile operation | Confusing traffic patterns, insufficient warning distance | Review MUTCD mobile operation requirements, plan safe start and stop points, identify high risk segments like hills and curves |
| Inspect vehicles and equipment | Equipment failure, lighting failure, malfunctioning arrow boards | Verify all warning lights work, check arrow boards or signs, inspect brakes and backup alarms |
| Deploy initial advance warning signs | Motorist confusion, insufficient recognition of work activity | Place signs according to MUTCD distances for mobile operations, ensure signs clearly indicate work ahead |
| Position shadow vehicle(s) | Worker struck by traffic, wrong buffer spacing | Use truck mounted attenuator when available, maintain required buffer distance behind work crew, activate amber beacons and arrow boards |
| Begin mobile operation at controlled speed | Rear end collisions, encroaching vehicles | Maintain slow and steady pace, use communication between lead vehicle, work crew, and shadow vehicle |
| Perform work task (potholes, litter pickup, mowing, etc.) | Struck by vehicle, equipment hazards, worker distraction | Stay within shadow vehicle protection zone, use spotter when exiting or entering vehicle, maintain situational awareness |
| Adjust work zone spacing as operation moves | Inconsistent protection, vehicles entering buffer area | Shadow vehicle adjusts distance based on speed, terrain, and task, maintain continuous communication |
| Navigate intersections, driveways, or ramps | Unexpected vehicle entry, blind spots | Slow operation, use additional spotters when needed, anticipate merging or turning vehicles |
| Respond to motorists who enter work zone | Worker exposure, collisions | Maintain escape routes, signal motorists to exit area safely, use radio to notify crew and reposition equipment if necessary |
| End operation and remove signs | Worker exposure during device retrieval | Stop in safe location, retrieve signs in reverse order of deployment, keep workers inside protection zone |
| Post operation review | Missed hazards, ineffective spacing, communication issues | Discuss any close calls, update plan, adjust procedures for future mobile operations |
Class 3 high visibility garment
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves depending on task
Hearing protection as needed
Two way radios for communication
Always have a complete, well-stocked first aid kit available.
JSA Category: Work Zone & Traffic Control Safety
* 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Plan route and scope of mobile operation | Confusing traffic patterns, insufficient warning distance | Review MUTCD mobile operation requirements, plan safe start and stop points, identify high risk segments like hills and curves |
| Inspect vehicles and equipment | Equipment failure, lighting failure, malfunctioning arrow boards | Verify all warning lights work, check arrow boards or signs, inspect brakes and backup alarms |
| Deploy initial advance warning signs | Motorist confusion, insufficient recognition of work activity | Place signs according to MUTCD distances for mobile operations, ensure signs clearly indicate work ahead |
| Position shadow vehicle(s) | Worker struck by traffic, wrong buffer spacing | Use truck mounted attenuator when available, maintain required buffer distance behind work crew, activate amber beacons and arrow boards |
| Begin mobile operation at controlled speed | Rear end collisions, encroaching vehicles | Maintain slow and steady pace, use communication between lead vehicle, work crew, and shadow vehicle |
| Perform work task (potholes, litter pickup, mowing, etc.) | Struck by vehicle, equipment hazards, worker distraction | Stay within shadow vehicle protection zone, use spotter when exiting or entering vehicle, maintain situational awareness |
| Adjust work zone spacing as operation moves | Inconsistent protection, vehicles entering buffer area | Shadow vehicle adjusts distance based on speed, terrain, and task, maintain continuous communication |
| Navigate intersections, driveways, or ramps | Unexpected vehicle entry, blind spots | Slow operation, use additional spotters when needed, anticipate merging or turning vehicles |
| Respond to motorists who enter work zone | Worker exposure, collisions | Maintain escape routes, signal motorists to exit area safely, use radio to notify crew and reposition equipment if necessary |
| End operation and remove signs | Worker exposure during device retrieval | Stop in safe location, retrieve signs in reverse order of deployment, keep workers inside protection zone |
| Post operation review | Missed hazards, ineffective spacing, communication issues | Discuss any close calls, update plan, adjust procedures for future mobile operations |
Class 3 high visibility garment
Hard hat
Safety glasses
Steel toe boots
Cut resistant gloves depending on task
Hearing protection as needed
Two way radios for communication