Resource guide
Landscaping safety checklist and JSA guide
Landscaping crews move between properties daily. Use a quick checklist for routine checks and a JSA for the tasks that carry more risk.
What it is
A landscaping safety checklist is a short set of yes/no checks — equipment guards, PPE, trailer hitch, chemicals labelled — done before or during work. A landscaping JSA goes further for a specific task such as slope mowing, tree work or hardscape installation, breaking it into steps with hazards and controls.
When to use it
- Start of season, before crews use equipment again
- Daily or per-property pre-work checks
- A JSA for higher-risk tasks: slopes, chainsaws, chemicals, near traffic
- When hiring new or seasonal workers
Example steps, hazards and controls
Illustrative examples only. A competent person must assess the actual task, site and equipment and choose controls that fit.
01Load and tow the trailer
Possible hazards: Hitch failure, unsecured equipment, backing into people
Example controls: Hitch and chain check, strap equipment, spotter when reversing
02Mow and trim
Possible hazards: Thrown objects, rollover on slopes, noise
Example controls: Walk the area for debris, slope limits for equipment, eye and hearing protection
03Apply fertilizer or pesticide
Possible hazards: Skin and eye exposure, drift onto people or pets
Example controls: Follow the label and safety data sheet, PPE, check wind and signage
04Work in heat
Possible hazards: Heat stress
Example controls: Water, shade breaks, schedule heavy work for cooler hours, watch each other
Where the work happens
Client properties
Each property differs: slopes, pools, pets, children and street traffic.
Yard and loading area
Fuelling, trailer loading, bulk material piles and equipment storage in your yard.
Office
An office inspection covers walkways, workstations and fire exits for admin staff.
How SafeTask helps
Describe the job and choose the work location and site type; SafeTask drafts ordered steps, 5×5 risk ratings and hierarchy-of-controls measures for you to edit. Regulatory references appear only from verified records — otherwise the document shows REGULATORY VERIFICATION REQUIRED. After a person approves it, export a PDF or share by QR code for worker acknowledgement.
Frequently asked questions
Should I use a checklist or a JSA?
Many crews use both: a checklist for routine daily checks and a JSA for tasks with higher or unusual risk. SafeTask supports inspections with checklists and JSAs.
Can I reuse the same JSA across properties?
You can duplicate a JSA as a starting point, but review it for each site because slopes, traffic and obstacles differ.
SafeTask provides AI-assisted safety documentation and regulatory information for workflow support. It is not a law firm, regulator or substitute for qualified safety or legal advice. Users are responsible for reviewing documents and verifying applicable requirements for their workplace and jurisdiction.