Job Hazard Analysis: Skid steer operation

A general example for this task. Your JHA should reflect your crew, equipment and site — review it with a competent person before work starts.

Steps, hazards and controls

1. 1. Walk the site and inspect the machine before starting

   • Hitting buried gas, electric, or irrigation lines when diggingHigh
     • Confirm the 811 locate ticket is active and all marks are visible before any digging.
     • Hand dig or use a vacuum to expose lines inside the marked tolerance zone. Do not dig there with the bucket.
     • Ask the property owner about private lines like irrigation, lighting, and septic.
   • Contact with overhead power lines when lift arms are raisedHigh
     • Find and flag overhead lines during the site walk. Keep the machine and load at least 10 ft away.
     • Use a spotter whenever you work or travel near the lines.
   • Machine defects like bad brakes, leaking hydraulics, broken seat bar, or missing guardsMedium
     • Do the walk-around: tires or tracks, hydraulic hoses, fluid levels, lights, backup alarm, seat belt, seat bar, and the rollover cab.
     • Test the seat bar interlock. Arms and drive must lock when the bar is up.
     • Tag out a defective machine and tell the supervisor. Do not run it.
     • Never check hydraulic leaks with your hand. Use cardboard.

2. 2. Mount the machine, buckle up, and start

   • Slipping off the bucket or step while climbing inMedium
     • Lower the bucket flat to the ground first. Use the grab handles and steps with 3 points of contact.
     • Scrape mud or ice off the steps and your boots.
   • Being thrown or crushed if the machine tips and you are not restrainedHigh
     • Fasten the seat belt and lower the seat bar every time before you start the engine.
     • Start the engine only from the operator seat.

3. 3. Hook up or change attachments (bucket, forks, auger, grapple)

   • Getting crushed under raised lift arms or a falling attachmentHigh
     • Lower the arms fully before you leave the seat. If you must work under raised arms, install the lift arm support device first.
     • Nobody stands between the attachment and the machine while the operator lines it up.
   • Attachment coming loose because quick-attach pins are not lockedMedium
     • Check that both pins are fully engaged through the attachment. Look before you lift.
     • Tilt the attachment down and push lightly on the ground to test the lock.
   • Pinched fingers and hydraulic fluid spray when connecting auger hosesMedium
     • Shut off the engine and relieve hydraulic pressure before you connect the couplers.
     • Wear work gloves and safety glasses.

4. 4. Grade, dig, and travel around the site

   • Rollover on slopes, trench edges, retaining walls, or soft groundHigh
     • Drive straight up and down slopes, never across. Keep the heavy end uphill.
     • Keep the bucket low, about 6 in off the ground, when you travel.
     • Stay back from excavation edges and wall tops at least the depth of the hole. Set stakes or flagging as a limit line.
     • If the machine starts to tip, stay in the seat with the belt on. Do not jump out.
   • Running over or striking workers on foot, especially when backing upHigh
     • Set a work zone with cones or caution tape. Crew on foot stays out unless the operator gives a clear signal.
     • Look behind you every time before backing. Keep the backup alarm working.
     • Workers on foot wear a high-visibility vest and make eye contact with the operator before approaching.
     • No riders, ever. Never lift a person in the bucket.
   • Arms or head caught between lift arms and the frameHigh
     • Keep your hands, arms, head, and feet inside the cab at all times.
     • Run the controls only from the seat. Never reach in from outside.
   • Loud engine noise and dust from dry soilMedium
     • Keep the cab door closed if equipped. Wet down dusty areas with a hose.
     • Wear earplugs or earmuffs while operating.

5. 5. Move and place materials (mulch, rock, soil, pallets of pavers or block)

   • Tipping forward from an overloaded bucket or a raised heavy palletHigh
     • Check the rated operating capacity on the machine. Know the pallet weight before you lift it.
     • Raise the load only when the machine is stopped on level ground. Travel with the load low.
   • Material falling off forks or spilling out of the bucket onto workersMedium
     • Center the forks under the pallet and check that the load is secure and banded.
     • Nobody stands under or beside a raised load. Dump only when the area is clear.
     • Wear a hard hat around the machine when loads are lifted.

6. 6. Load and unload the skid steer on the trailer

   • Machine sliding or rolling off the rampsHigh
     • Park the truck and trailer on level ground with the trailer hitched and the truck brake set.
     • Line up straight with the ramps. Clean mud and ice off ramps. Drive slowly with the heavy end uphill.
     • Keep everyone clear of the sides and back of the trailer.
   • Machine shifting during transportMedium
     • Lower the bucket to the deck, shut off the engine, and secure the machine with 4 chains and binders at the tie-down points.
     • Check the chains again after the first few miles.

7. 7. Refuel, shut down, and clean up

   • Diesel or gasoline fire while refuelingMedium
     • Shut off the engine and let hot parts cool before refueling. No smoking within 50 ft.
     • Use an approved, labeled safety can. Keep a fire extinguisher on the truck.
     • Clean up spills right away with absorbent.
   • Machine moving or arms dropping after you get outMedium
     • Park on level ground, lower the attachment flat to the ground, set the parking brake, shut off the engine, and take the key.
   • Heat stress during long runs in a closed or sunny cabMedium
     • Drink water every 15 to 20 minutes and take shade breaks. New workers build up time in the heat over the first week.
     • Watch each other for dizziness, headache, or confusion. Stop and cool down at the first sign.