Job Hazard/Safety Analysis

For the
Grounds Keeper

1
 INTRODUCTION

Job Hazard/Safety Analysis for the Grounds Keeper is a partial list of known task
performed by the professional grounds worker. We have placed task in
alphabetical order and in a table format, listing each in a step-by-step sequence
followed by the potential hazard and a recommended action or procedure.

This is by no means an exhaustive list and is subject to modification. Additional

comments may be added as more information becomes available.

If you are asked to perform an occasional task, not listed with your job title, you can look
up an individual task by returning to our Job Safety Analysis page and check the pull-
down menu for Job Task.

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 APHABETICAL LIST OF TASK

Page
Air Compressor 4
ATV- 4 Wheeler 5
Auger (Posthole) 6
Battery Charger 7
Bench Grinder 8
Brush Hog Mower (Attachment) 9
Brush Mower (Trimmer) 10
Chain Hoist 11
Chemicals (Pouring Handling) 12
Cutoff Saw 13
Ditchwitch Trencher 14
Drill Press 15
Driving 16
Drum Handling (30-55 Gal.) 17
Forklift 18
Fuel Transfer Pump 19
Hand Held Portable Power Tools 20
High Pressure Washer (Gas Powered) 21
Hoist (Electric/Manual) Slings 22
Jack Stands, Manual 23
Lawn Mower/Trimmer (Gas Powered) 24
Lifting/Carrying Objects 25
Pallet Jack & Dolly (Hydraulic) 26
Plate Compactor 27
Portable Generator (Gas Powered) 28
Portable Heater (Electric Powered) 29
Portable Heater (Gas Powered) 30
Shop Vac(s) 31
Snow Plower (Gas Powered) 32
Snow Shoveling 33
Tractor 34
Vise 35
Weed/Brush Trimmer (Hand held) 36

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 Hazard Analysis: Air Compressor
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

Shutdown Unit Auto start and/or human error Lockout/Tagout

and Isolate Activation
Unit during repair

Noise Equipment Operation Use Hearing Protection

Routine Hand Injury Confined work areas, sharp edges Gloves
Maintenance
/Repair
Eye Injury Residual air pressure Goggles, safety glasses with
side shields
Electric Shock Improper operation and Manufacturers instructions
maintenance strictly followed, lock-out/tag-
out
Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Routine Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Operation
Eye Injury Blowing debris Use safety glasses w/side
shields or goggles

PPE Required:
Goggles/Safety Glasses with side shield
Hearing Protection
Gloves

Hazard Analysis: Air Compressor, Portable, Electric

Task Hazard Cause Prevention

Routine Electric Improper operation and maintenance Unplug electrical cord and retain
Maintenance Shock control of plug during
/Repair repair/maintenance
Routine Noise Equipment operation Use hearing protection
Operation
Trauma Improper use, uncontrolled release of Use appropriate nozzle for
compressed air specific work activity, situational
awareness
Eye Projectiles, flying debris Goggles or safety glasses with
Injury side shields

PPE Required:
Goggles or Safety glasses with side shield
Hearing Protection

4
Hazard Analysis: ATV 4-Wheeler
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

Routine Hand Injury Confined work areas, sharp Gloves, situational awareness
Maintenan edges/objects, rotating parts
ce/Repair
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot, Wear safety shoes
object drops on foot
Trauma Rotating parts Situational awareness,
appropriate clothing
Muscle/Ligam Awkward working positions Position body to avoid strains,
ent Strain take appropriate breaks
Eye Injury Flying Particles Goggles/Safety Glasses
w/side shields
Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Routine Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Operation
Head Injury Fall from 4-Wheeler, accident Wear helmet

PPE Required:
Helmet
Safety glasses, goggles or helmet face shield
Gloves
Hearing Protection
Safety Shoes/boots protective clothing (optional)

5
Hazard Analysis: Auger (Post Hole), Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Use Inhalation Dust/particles generated Appropriate natural

during machine ventilation, disposable
operation, exhaust fumes respirators
Eye Injury Projectiles Safety glasses with side
shield or appropriate
safety goggles
Trauma Projectiles, point of Situational awareness,
operation, flying debris & PPE, machine guards,
sparks, improper use and Manufacturers
operation, loose clothing instructions followed, do
becoming entangled not wear loose clothing
Noise Engine Ear plugs/ear muffs
Foot Injury Drop object on foot, Safety shoes
impact of auger
Hand Injury Point of operation, in- Gloves, machine guards,
going nip points, rotating situational awareness
parts, flying debris and
sparks
Fire Sparks Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire
hazards
General Use Inhalation Dust/particles generated Appropriate natural
during machine ventilation, disposable
operation, exhaust fumes respirators

PPE Required:
Gloves (leather)
Goggles/Safety Glasses w/side shield disposable respirator (optional)
Safety Shoes/boots
Hearing Protection

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Hazard Analysis: Battery Charger
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Foot Injury Drop object on foot Wear safety shoes

Use
Trauma Batty acid spills Goggles, apron, gloves, proper
(Burns) battery handling procedures
Eye Injury Battery acid splashes Goggles, appropriate battery
handling procedures
Electrical Improper operation and Lockout/tagout, manufacturers
Shock maintenance, battery condition instructions strictly followed
Fire Sparks, improper storage of Appropriate placed fire
flammables, combustibles extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from machine area
Explosion Spark/poor ventilation, Adequate ventilation, no
smoking, improper procedures smoking, follow manufacturers
instructions

PPE Required:
Apron
Gloves
Safety Shoes/Boots
Goggles

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Hazard Analysis: Bench Grinder
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Inhalation Dust/particles generated Appropriate natural ventilation,

Use during machine operation disposable respirators
Eye Injury Projectiles Safety glasses with side shield
or appropriate safety goggles
Trauma Projectiles Situational awareness, PPE,
protective clothing, machine
guards
Foot Injury Drop object on foot Wear safety shoes
Hand Injury Impact, penetration, Gloves, situational awareness
compression
Head Projectiles Face Shield
Protection
Fire Heat, sparks Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from grinding/buffing area
Electrical Improper grounding, Improper Lockout/tagout, proper
Shock operations and maintenance grounding of frame,
manufacturers instructions
strictly followed

PPE Required: protective Clothing (optional)

Goggles/Safety Glasses w/side shield
Face Shield
Safety Shoes/Boots disposable Respirators (optional)
Gloves

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Hazard Analysis: Brush hog Mower, Tractor Attachment
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Flying debris Safety glasses, face shield

Use
Trauma Flying debris, Rotating parts, protective clothing, situational
Burns awareness, appropriate guards
in place
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot Safety shoes
Noise Equipment Operation Hearing protection

PPE Required:
Safety Glasses
Face Shield protective Clothing (optional)
Hearing Protection

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Hazard Analysis: Brush Mower/Trimmer, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Use Eye Injury Flying debris Safety glasses, face

shield
Trauma Flying debris, Rotating protective clothing,
parts, Burns situational awareness,
appropriate guards in
place
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot Safety shoes
Noise Equipment Operation Hearing protection

PPE Required:
Safety Glasses
Face Shield protective Clothing (optional)
Hearing Protection
Safety shoes

10
Hazard Analysis: Chain Hoist
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Foot Injury Drop object on foot Wear Safety shoes

Use
Hand Injury Impact, burns Gloves, Situational awareness
Head Swinging chain/hoisted Hard hat
Protection equipment

PPE Required:
Gloves
Safety Shoes/Boots
Hard

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Hazard Analysis: Chemicals (Pouring/Handling)
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Splash, fumes Goggles

Use
Contact Splash, skin contact Gloves (appropriate type for
irritation, burn chemical), apron (if necessary),
or absorption long sleeves
Inhalation Breathing fumes Wear respirator if needed
Face Splash Wear Face Shield (if
necessary)

PPE Required:
Goggles
Gloves protective Clothing (apron)
Respirator (as needed)
Face shield (if necessary)

12
Hazard Analysis: Cutoff Saw
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Inhalation Dust/particles generated Appropriate natural ventilation,

Use during machine operation disposable respirators,
automatic vacuum machine
Eye Injury Projectiles Safety glasses with side shield
or appropriate safety goggles
Trauma Projectiles, rotating parts, point Situational awareness, PPE,
of operation, ingoing nip joints, protective clothing, machine
flying chips & sparks guards
Foot Injury Drop object on foot Safety shoes
Hand Injury Point of Operation, ingoing nip Machine guards, situational
points, rotating parts, flying awareness
chips and sparks
Head Projectiles Face Shield
Protection
Fire Heat, sparks Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from area
Electrical Improper grounding, improper Lockout/tagout, proper
Shock operations and maintenance grounding of frame,
manufacturers instructions
strictly followed

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/Boots
Safety glasses/goggles
Face Shield (optional) disposable Respirators (optional)
Hearing Protection

13
Hazard Analysis: Ditchwitch Trencher
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

Routine Hand Injury Confined work areas, sharp Gloves, situational awareness
Maintenanc edges/objects, rotating parts
e/Repair
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot, object Wear safety shoes
drops on foot
Trauma Rotating parts Situational awareness, appropriate
clothing
Eye Injury Flying particles Safety glasses
Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Routine Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Operation
Head Injury Bump head, objects fall on head Wear hard hat (as necessary)
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot, object Wear safety shoes
drops on foot
Hand Injury Sharp edges/objects Wear Gloves

PPE Required:
Protective Clothing
Safety Shoes/Boots
Safety Glasses
Hard
Gloves
Hearing Protection

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Hazard Analysis: Drill Press
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Inhalation Electrical Shock Sparks, friction

Use
Eye Injury Filings/particles generated Improper grounding, improper
during machine operation operations and maintenance
Inhalation Dust/particles generated during Appropriate natural ventilation,
machine operation disposable respirators
Trauma Projectiles, flying sparks Safety glasses with side shield
or appropriate safety goggles
situational awareness
Foot Injury Projectiles, rotating parts, point Wear safety shoes
of operation, ingoing nip points,
flying chips & sparks
Hand Injury Drop object on foot Gloves (optional), machine
guards, situational awareness
Head Point of operation, ingoing nip Face shield (if necessary)
Protection points, rotating parts, flying
chips & sparks
Fire Projectiles Proper grounding of frame,
manufacturers instructions
strictly followed. Appropriate
placed fire extinguisher,
remove all combustibles and
fire hazards

PPE Required:
Protective Clothing (optional)
Safety Shoes/Boots
Goggles/Safety Glasses w/side shield disposable
Respirators (optional)
Face shield
Gloves (optional)

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Hazard Analysis: Driving
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Projectiles, impact, vibration, Situational awareness, gloves

Use burns (optional), seat belts
Noise Engine, impact Wear hearing protection for
noise level over 85db

PPE Required:
Hearing Protection
Gloves (optional)

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Hazard Analysis: Drum, 30-55 Gal (Handling)
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Splashes Goggles (for handling exposed

Use chemicals)
Trauma Impact Situational awareness, gloves
Foot Injury Dropped object on foot Wear safety shoes

PPE Required:
Goggles
Safety Shoes/boots
Gloves

17
Hazard Analysis: Forklift
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Projectiles, impact, vibration, Situational awareness, gloves,

Use burns switch guards
Foot Injury Dropped object on foot Wear safety shoes
Noise Engine, impact Wear hearing protection
Eye Fluid splash when servicing Wear safety goggles

PPE Required:
Safety goggles
Safety Shoes/boots
Hearing Protection
Gloves

18
Hazard Analysis: Fuel Transfer Pump
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Fuel splashes Goggles

Use
Hand Injury Fuel contact in sub-zero Gloves
weather
Fire, Smoking, sparks, improper No smoking or exposure to
Explosion grounding and bonding sparks or open flame during
fueling. Fill stem shall be
bonded to the container during
filling operations by means of a
bond wide. Appropriate placed
fire extinguisher.

PPE Required:
Goggles
Gloves

19
Hazard Analysis: Hand Held Portable Power Tools
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Inhalation Dust/particles generated Appropriate natural ventilation,

Use during machine operation disposable respirators (if
necessary), automatic vacuum
machine
Eye Injury Projectiles Safety glasses with side shield
or appropriate safety goggles
Foot Injury Drop object on foot Wear safety shoes
Hand Injury Point of operation, ingoing nip Machine guards, situational
points, rotating parts, flying awareness
chips & sparks
Head Projectiles Face Shield
Protection
Fire Sparks Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from machine area
Noise Machine operation Hearing protection
Electrical Improper grounding, improper Proper grounding of frame,
Shock operations and maintenance manufacturers instructions
strictly followed

PPE Required:
Protective Clothing (optional)
Safety Shoes/Boots
Goggles/Safety Glasses w/side shields
Disposable Respirators (optional)
Face shield, as appropriate
Hearing Protection

20
Hazard Analysis: High Pressure Washer, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Flying debris, contact with high Situational awareness,

Use pressure stream protective clothing
Hand Injury Flying debris, contact with high Situational awareness, gloves
pressure stream
Head Injury Flying debris Situational awareness, face
shield, hard hat (as necessary)
Foot Injury Drop object on foot, contact Wear safety shoes
with high pressure stream
Eye Injury Flying debris Goggles/safety glasses with
side shields, face shield
Electric Improper operation and Manufacturers instructions
Shock maintenance strictly followed
Fire Smoking, sparks No smoking or exposure to
sparks or open flame during
fueling. Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher.
Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection

PPE Required:
Protective Clothing (optional)
Safety Shoes/Boots
Goggles Hard Hat (as necessary)
Face shield Gloves
Hearing Protection Apron (optional)

21
Hazard Analysis: Hoist (Electric/Manual)/Slings
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Impact Situational awareness, gloves,

Use hardhat
Foot Injury Dropped object on foot Wear safety shoes

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/boots
Gloves
Hard hat

22
Hazard Analysis: Jack Stands, Manual
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Foot Injury Improper placement of load Situational awareness, wear

Use safety shoes
Trauma Overloading vehicle stand Follow manufacturers
beyond rated capacity instructions. Ensure that rated
load is legibly and permanently
marked in a prominent location
on vehicle stand, and rated load
capacity is not exceeded.

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/Boots

23
Hazard Analysis: Lawn Mower/Trimmer, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Flying debris Safety glasses w/side

Use shields/Goggles
Trauma Flying debris, rotating parts, Protective clothing, Situational
burns awareness, appropriate guards
in place
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot Safety shoes
Noise Equipment Operation Hearing protection

PPE Required:
Safety Glasses w/side shields/Goggles protective Clothing (optional)
Hearing Protection
Safety Shoes

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Hazard Analysis: Lifting/Carrying Objects
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Impact Situational awareness, gloves,

Use back brace/belt (optional)
Foot Injury Dropped object on foot Wear safety shoes/boots

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/boots
Gloves
Back brace/belt (optional)

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Hazard Analysis: Pallet Jack & Dolly, Hydraulic
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Foot Injury Roll jack over foot Wear safety shoes
Use
Trauma Overloading jack beyond rated Follow manufacturers
capacity, using jack for support instructions, gloves
rather than just lifting, sharp
objects

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/Boots
Gloves

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Hazard Analysis: Plate Compactor
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Projectiles, fumes, dusts Safety glasses w/side shields
Use or goggles
Trauma Projectiles, impact, vibration, Situational awareness, gloves,
burns protective clothing, back
brace/belt (optional), switch
guards
Foot Injury Dropped object on foot Wear safety shoes
Noise Engine, impact Wear hearing protection
Inhalation Dust Wear respirator or dust mask if
needed

PPE Required:
Safety Glasses w/side shields or Goggles
Safety Shoes/boots
Hearing Protection
Gloves protective Clothing (long pants)
Respirator or dust mask (as needed)
Back brace/belt (optional)

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Hazard Analysis: Portable Generator, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Inhalation Exhaust Appropriate ventilation

Use
Trauma Burns Situational awareness, PPE,
protective clothing
Foot Injury Roll over foot, drop object on Wear safety shoes
foot
Fire Heat, sparks, slag Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from area
Electrical Improper operations and Strictly follow manufacturers
Shock maintenance, improper instructions, proper switching
switching device for starting up/ shutting down
machine

PPE Required:
Leather Gloves
Safety Shoes/ Boots

28
Hazard Analysis: Portable Heater, Electric Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Burns Situational awareness, PPE,

Use protective clothing
Foot Injury Roll over foot, drop object on Wear safety shoes
foot
Fire Heat, sparks, slag Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from area
Electrical Improper operations and Strictly follow manufacturers
Shock maintenance, improper instructions, proper switching
switching device for starting up/ shutting down
machine

PPE Required:
Leather Gloves
Safety Shoes/ Boots

29
Hazard Analysis: Portable Heater, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Inhalation Exhaust Appropriate ventilation

Use
Trauma Burns Situational awareness, PPE,
protective clothing
Foot Injury Roll over foot, drop object on Wear safety shoes
foot
Fire Heat, sparks, slag Appropriate placed fire
extinguisher, remove all
combustibles and fire hazards
from area
Electrical Improper operations and Strictly follow manufacturers
Shock maintenance, improper instructions, proper switching
switching device for starting up/ shutting down
machine

PPE Required:
Leather Gloves
Safety Shoes/ Boots

30
Hazard Analysis: Shop Vac(s)
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Foot Injury Drop object on foot Wear safety shoes

Use
Electrical Improper operations and Manufacturers instructions
Shock maintenance, improper strictly followed, proper
grounding grounding
Eye Injury Flying debris Wear safety glasses w/side
shields
Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection

PPE Required :( PPE required to be worn during the vacuuming task when it poses a specific
hazard to the user)
Safety Glasses with side shields
Hearing Protection
Safety Shoes/Boots

31
Hazard Analysis: Snow Blower, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Flying debris (ice, rocks, snow, Safety glasses w/side shields
Use etc)
Trauma Flying debris, Rotating parts, Situational awareness,
Burns, frostbite protective clothing, gloves
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over/drops on Safety shoes/boots
foot
Noise Equipment Operation Hearing protection

PPE Required:
Safety Glasses w/side shields (only when frostbite hazard does not present a greater
hazard) protective Clothing Hearing Protection
Safety shoes/boots
Gloves

32
Hazard Analysis: Snow Shoveling
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Projectiles, impact, slip/trip/fall, Situational awareness, gloves,

Use cold positive traction sole footwear,
protective clothing
Foot Injury Dropped object/impact on foot Wear safety shoes/boots

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/boots (when chipping snow/ice with shovel or chipper)
Gloves protective Clothing (cold weather)

33
Hazard Analysis: Tractor
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

Routine Hand Injury Confined work areas, sharp Gloves, situational awareness
Maintenanc edges/objects, rotating parts
e/Repair
Head Injury Bump head, objects fall on head Wear hard hat (if necessary)
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot, object Wear safety shoes
drops on foot
Trauma Rotating parts Situational awareness, appropriate
clothing
Eye Injury Flying Particles Safety glasses w/side shields
Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Routine Noise Equipment Operation Use hearing protection
Operation
Foot Injury Equipment rolls over foot Wear safety shoes

PPE Required:
Protective Clothing Safety Shoes/ Boots
Safety Glasses Hard Hat (if necessary)
Gloves
Hearing Protection

34
Hazard Analysis: Vise
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Projectiles Safety glasses with side shield

Use or appropriate safety goggles
Foot Injury Drop object on foot Wear safety shoes
Hand Injury Impact, penetration, Gloves, situational awareness
compression

PPE Required:
Goggles/ Safety Glasses w/ side shield
Gloves
Safety Shoes/Boots

35
Hazard Analysis: Weed/Brush Trimmer, Hand-held, Gasoline Powered
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Eye Injury Flying Debris Safety glasses w/side

Use shields/Goggles, face shield
Trauma Flying debris, Rotating parts, Protective clothing, situational
Burns awareness, appropriate guards
in place
Foot Injury Equipment contacts foot Safety shoes
Noise Equipment Operation Hearing protection

PPE Required:
Safety Glasses w/side shields/Goggles
Face Shield
Hearing Protection protective Clothing (optional)
Safety Shoes

36
Hazard Analysis: Snow Shoveling
Task Hazard Cause Prevention

General Trauma Projectiles, impact, slip/trip/fall, Situational awareness, gloves,

Use cold positive traction sole footwear,
protective clothing
Foot Injury Dropped object/impact on foot Wear safety shoes/boots

PPE Required:
Safety Shoes/boots (when chipping snow/ice with shovel or chipper)
Gloves protective Clothing (cold weather)

37