11 Aug Vehicle Operation – JSA

VEHICLE OPERATION JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS – JSA

Job / Task

Operation of cars, pickups, vans, trucks, and other authorized vehicles for work-related travel, transportation of personnel and materials, and driving on public roads, private property, and jobsites.

Purpose

This Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), identifies hazards associated with vehicle operation and establishes safe work practices and controls to prevent collisions, struck-by incidents, injuries, property damage, and other vehicle-related incidents.

Driver Qualifications

Only authorized and qualified employees may operate vehicles for work activities.

Drivers shall:

• Maintain a valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle being operated.
• Be familiar with the vehicle’s controls, safety systems, operating characteristics, and limitations.
• Follow applicable traffic laws, site requirements, and company procedures.
• Be fit for duty and capable of operating the vehicle safely.
• Wear the seat belt and require all occupants to wear seat belts.
• Report vehicle defects, collisions, near misses, and unsafe conditions.
• Use defensive driving practices and maintain control of the vehicle at all times.

Required PPE and Safety Equipment

PPE shall be based on the work activity and location and may include:

• Seat belts and installed occupant restraint systems.
• High-visibility apparel when working around traffic or in designated work areas.
• Safety footwear when exiting the vehicle to perform work.
• Hard hat, eye protection, gloves, and other PPE required for activities performed outside the vehicle.
• Emergency equipment required by the vehicle, worksite, or applicable procedures.

JSA – Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls

Step 1 – Plan the Drive

Potential Hazards

• Fatigue or insufficient rest.
• Poor route selection.
• Severe weather.
• Traffic congestion.
• Unfamiliar roads or jobsites.
• Rushed or aggressive driving.

Required Controls

• Plan routes and allow adequate travel time.
• Review road, traffic, weather, and worksite conditions when practicable.
• Identify safe access and parking areas.
• Schedule appropriate rest breaks for extended travel.
• Do not drive when fatigued, impaired, or otherwise unfit to operate the vehicle.
• Adjust the route or postpone travel when conditions cannot be managed safely.

Step 2 – Perform a Pre-Operation Vehicle Inspection

Potential Hazards

• Brake, steering, or tire failure.
• Poor visibility.
• Defective lights or signals.
• Fluid leaks.
• Defective restraints or safety equipment.
• Unsafe load.

Required Controls

• Inspect the vehicle before operation as required by company procedures.
• Check tires, wheels, brakes, steering, lights, mirrors, windshield, wipers, horn, seat belts, and other safety-related equipment.
• Verify required emergency equipment is present.
• Clear snow, ice, mud, or other obstructions from windows, mirrors, lights, and vehicle surfaces.
• Report safety-critical defects immediately.
• Do not operate a vehicle with a condition that makes it unsafe.

Step 3 – Enter and Prepare the Vehicle

Potential Hazards

• Falls while entering or exiting.
• Vehicle movement.
• Poor visibility.
• Loose objects interfering with controls.
• Unrestrained occupants.

Required Controls

• Use designated steps and handholds when provided.
• Check the area around the vehicle before starting or moving.
• Adjust the seat and mirrors before driving.
• Fasten the seat belt before moving.
• Secure loose tools and objects so they cannot interfere with vehicle controls.
• Confirm doors, gates, and other access points are closed and secured.

Step 4 – Start and Move the Vehicle

Potential Hazards

• Unexpected movement.
• Collision with people or objects.
• Pedestrian strike.
• Loss of control.

Required Controls

• Check mirrors and the area around the vehicle before moving.
• Release brakes and begin movement only when the path is clear.
• Move slowly in congested areas, parking lots, and jobsites.
• Yield to pedestrians and follow traffic controls.
• Use a spotter when required for restricted visibility or difficult maneuvering.
• Maintain control of the vehicle at all times.

Step 5 – Operate the Vehicle Defensively

Potential Hazards

• Following too closely.
• Speed-related loss of control.
• Pedestrian or cyclist strike.
• Unexpected traffic conditions.

Required Controls

• Obey posted speed limits and reduce speed for road, traffic, weather, and visibility conditions.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Scan continuously for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, animals, and roadway hazards.
• Use turn signals and communicate intentions.
• Avoid aggressive driving and unnecessary lane changes.
• Maintain a safe speed when entering work areas and congested locations.
• Keep both hands available for vehicle control whenever practicable.

Step 6 – Control Driver Distractions

Potential Hazards

• Texting or phone use.
• Navigation or control adjustments.
• Eating or drinking.
• Inattention and delayed reaction.

Required Controls

• Do not text or manually use a mobile device while driving.
• Set navigation and vehicle controls before moving or only while safely stopped.
• Avoid activities that divert attention from driving.
• Use hands-free communication only when permitted and only when it does not interfere with safe operation.
• Pull over in a safe location when an activity requires sustained attention away from driving.

Step 7 – Manage Fatigue and Impairment

Potential Hazards

• Reduced alertness.
• Slowed reaction time.
• Driving under the influence.
• Medication-related impairment.

Required Controls

• Do not operate a vehicle while fatigued or impaired.
• Take appropriate rest breaks during extended driving.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or any substance that impairs safe operation.
• Understand medication warnings that may affect alertness or driving ability.
• Stop driving when fatigue or impairment develops and obtain appropriate assistance.
• Do not rely on stimulants as a substitute for adequate rest.

Step 8 – Transport Passengers and Loads

Potential Hazards

• Unrestrained occupants.
• Overloaded vehicle.
• Shifting cargo.
• Blocked visibility.
• Improperly secured materials.

Required Controls

• Transport only authorized occupants in designated seating positions.
• Require all occupants to use seat belts.
• Stay within the vehicle’s rated passenger and load capacity.
• Secure tools, equipment, and materials against shifting or falling.
• Do not block the driver’s view, controls, mirrors, exits, or safety equipment.
• Use appropriate tie-downs and load-securing devices.
• Recheck loads when conditions warrant.

Step 9 – Back and Maneuver Safely

Potential Hazards

• Backing collision.
• Pedestrian strike.
• Property damage.
• Blind spots.
• Limited visibility.

Required Controls

• Avoid backing when a safer alternative is reasonably available.
• Check mirrors and the area around the vehicle before backing.
• Back slowly and deliberately.
• Use a spotter when visibility is restricted or conditions require one.
• Stop if the spotter is no longer visible.
• Do not rely solely on backup cameras or sensors; verify the area is clear.

Step 10 – Operate in Work Zones and Jobsites

Potential Hazards

• Struck-by incidents.
• Pedestrian contact.
• Interaction with heavy equipment.
• Uneven surfaces.
• Dust, mud, or poor visibility.
• Uncontrolled traffic.

Required Controls

• Follow site traffic plans, posted speeds, signs, and designated routes.
• Wear high-visibility apparel when required.
• Yield to pedestrians and maintain separation from mobile equipment.
• Use designated parking areas.
• Use a spotter for tight or congested maneuvering when required.
• Do not enter restricted areas without authorization.
• Maintain visibility through clean windows, mirrors, and lights.

Step 11 – Operate in Adverse Conditions

Potential Hazards

• Hydroplaning
• Loss of traction.
• Ice or snow.
• Reduced visibility.
• High winds.
• Flooding

Required Controls

• Reduce speed and increase following distance.
• Use appropriate vehicle lighting.
• Remove snow and ice before operation.
• Use tires and equipment suitable for expected conditions.
• Do not drive through water when depth, current, or road conditions cannot be safely determined.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather.
• Stop in a safe location if conditions become unsafe.

Step 12 – Park and Secure the Vehicle

Potential Hazards

• Vehicle rollaway.
• Collision with other traffic.
• Unauthorized use.
• Blocked emergency access.

Required Controls

• Park in a designated and safe location when practicable.
• Apply the parking brake and place the transmission in the appropriate position.
• Turn off the engine and remove the key when required.
• Do not block fire lanes, emergency access, exits, hydrants, or traffic routes.
• When parking on a grade, secure the vehicle according to manufacturer and site requirements.
• Secure the vehicle and contents against unauthorized use.

Step 13 – Refuel and Perform Vehicle Checks

Potential Hazards

• Fire or explosion.
• Fuel exposure.
• Hot or moving components.
• Unauthorized repairs.

Required Controls

• Turn off the engine before refueling unless specifically required otherwise by the vehicle or procedure.
• No smoking or ignition sources near fueling operations.
• Follow fueling and vehicle manufacturer requirements.
• Clean up spills promptly using applicable procedures.
• Do not perform repairs beyond the driver’s training or authorization.
• Use qualified personnel for maintenance and repairs.
• Keep clear of hot, moving, or energized components.

Step 14 – Respond to a Breakdown or Roadside Emergency

Potential Hazards

• Struck by passing traffic.
• Vehicle fire.
• Additional collision.
• Exposure to weather.
• Unsafe roadside repairs.

Required Controls

• Move the vehicle to a safe location when possible.
• Activate hazard warning lights.
• Remain away from traffic when conditions permit.
• Use warning devices only when they can be deployed safely.
• Contact appropriate roadside or emergency assistance.
• Do not perform roadside repairs in an unsafe location.
• Report the breakdown according to established procedures.

Step 15 – Respond to a Collision or Near Miss

Potential Hazards

• Additional collision.
• Fire or hazardous release.
• Delayed emergency response.
• Failure to report.

Required Controls

• Stop the vehicle and assess the scene when safe.
• Contact emergency services when necessary.
• Provide first aid only within the limits of training and when safe.
• Exchange required information with other involved parties.
• Notify supervision as soon as practicable.
• Document and report the incident or near miss.
• Do not operate a vehicle that may be unsafe following a collision until it has been evaluated.

Prohibited Practices

• Operate a vehicle without required authorization or a valid license.
• Operate a vehicle while impaired by alcohol, drugs, fatigue, illness, or another condition affecting safe operation.
• Text or manually use a mobile device while driving.
• Exceed posted speed limits or operate at a speed unsafe for conditions.
• Tailgate, race, drive aggressively, or engage in other unsafe driving behavior.
• Operate a vehicle with known safety-critical defects.
• Allow occupants to ride without required seat belts.
• Exceed passenger or load capacity.
• Transport unsecured loads.
• Back without checking the area or using required controls.
• Smoke or use ignition sources while refueling.
• Perform unauthorized maintenance or repairs.

Emergency Procedures

In the event of a collision, vehicle fire, breakdown, medical emergency, or other vehicle-related incident:

1. Stop and secure the vehicle when safe to do so.
2. Activate hazard warning lights when appropriate.
3. Move occupants to a safe location when evacuation is necessary.
4. Contact emergency assistance when needed.
5. Do not approach uncontrolled fire, hazardous releases, or electrical hazards unless trained and it is safe.
6. Provide first aid within the limits of training.
7. Notify supervision according to established procedures.
8. Secure the scene when practicable without creating additional hazards.
9. Report the incident or near miss.
10. Do not return an unsafe vehicle to service until it has been evaluated and repaired as necessary.

Training Requirements

Employees who operate vehicles for work shall receive training appropriate to the vehicles they operate and the hazards associated with their driving activities.

Training shall address:

• Defensive driving.
• Pre-operation vehicle inspections.
• Seat belt and occupant restraint requirements.
• Distracted driving prevention.
• Fatigue and impairment awareness.
• Backing and maneuvering.
• Passenger and cargo requirements.
• Jobsite and work-zone driving.
• Adverse weather and road conditions.
• Emergency and breakdown procedures.
• Collision and near-miss reporting.
• Applicable company and site requirements.

Additional training or evaluation shall be provided when unsafe operation is observed, after a collision or significant near miss when indicated, when a different vehicle type is assigned, or when conditions indicate additional training is necessary.

JSA Review

This JSA shall be reviewed with affected employees before work begins.

The JSA shall be revised or supplemented when:

• The vehicle type or driving activity changes.
• Routes, jobsites, or traffic conditions change.
• New hazards are identified.
• A collision, incident, or near miss occurs.
• Existing controls are ineffective.
• Employees identify additional hazards.
• Weather or environmental conditions materially change the risk.