Course Description

Public works employees face unique and constantly changing hazards: working near live traffic, operating heavy equipment, managing utilities, responding to weather events, and interacting with the public. This interactive 2-hour course provides a step-by-step approach to conducting Job Hazard Assessments (JHAs) and Job Safety Analyses (JSAs), specifically designed for the unique tasks and risks encountered in municipal public works operations.

Using real-world examples from roadway, water/sewer, parks, and facilities work, participants will learn how to:
• Break a job into task steps
• Identify hazards at each step (including those that are often overlooked)
• Evaluate risk and prioritize what to control first
• Select practical, compliant controls using the hierarchy of controls and industry best practices
• Communicate and document JHAs so crews understand expectations before work begins
By the end of the course, participants will walk away with templates, checklists, and a repeatable process that can be integrated into daily planning, tailgate talks, and project pre-planning.

Course Outline

1. Introduction & Purpose of JHAs/JSAs
2. Breaking Down the Job
3. Identifying Hazards in Public Works
4. Choosing Controls & Best Practices
5. Documenting & Using JHAs in the Field
6. Wrap-Up & Action Planning

Learning Objectives

By the end of this 2-hour session, participants will be able to:
1. Define what a Job Hazard Assessment / Job Safety Analysis is and explain why it is essential for public works operations.
2. Break down a typical public works task (e.g., pothole repair, catch basin cleaning, water main work, line painting, snow/ice operations) into clear, sequential steps for analysis.
3. Identify common and high-risk hazards associated with public works, including:
• Traffic and pedestrian exposure
• Underground and overhead utilities
• Equipment and machinery hazards
• Slips, trips, falls, and uneven terrain
• Weather, heat/cold stress, and visibility
• Confined/limited spaces and excavation hazards
• Environmental and chemical exposures
4. Apply the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE) to select effective, compliant, and realistic controls for each hazard.
5. Develop a simple, written JHA/JSA for a chosen public works task using a standard template.
6. Integrate JHAs into pre-job briefings, tailgate talks, and daily planning so crews are engaged and understand their role in hazard identification and control.
7. Evaluate an existing job or task and identify opportunities to improve safety and efficiency through better planning and hazard control.

Who Should Attend

This course is designed for anyone involved in planning, supervising, or performing public works tasks, including but not limited to:
• Public Works Directors and Assistant Directors
• Highway, Streets, and Roads Supervisors
• Water, Sewer, and Stormwater Supervisors
• Parks, Forestry, and Grounds Supervisors
• Fleet and Facilities Supervisors
• Working Foremen / Crew Leaders
• Equipment Operators and Maintenance Staff
• Laborers and Technicians who participate in daily job planning
• Safety Coordinators, Risk Managers, and HR staff supporting public works operations

The course is appropriate for both newer employees who need a clear framework for hazard recognition and experienced staff looking to formalize and improve existing practices in line with current regulations and safety best practices.

Accommodations for Disabilities: UMTC endeavors to provide an inclusive learning environment for all. If you require special services or arrangements to fully participate in this workshop, please email Stephanie Cottrell or call 413-800-2655 at least 14 days prior to the event. Such services are provided free of charge.