First, describe the work and worksite
A finishing crew will use a manually guided gasoline powered trowel on a new outdoor slab on grade after the placing crew hands over the area. The operator works inside a separated finishing zone with a designated helper. This fictional learning example records planned controls; it supplies no actual inspections or work authorization.
- Open air slab with a released machine route and protected openings; no occupied enclosure or suspended slab.
- Concrete readiness, machine configuration and access must suit the actual unit and finishing method.
- This example excludes ride on machines, lifting the trowel, concrete placement and cosmetic sack and patch repairs.
Questions before work
- Which machine, guard, blades and operator release control will be used?
- Who releases the slab for machine access and maintains the finishing boundary?
- Could exhaust reach an enclosure, occupied doorway or air intake?
Build the analysis one step at a time
What will the worker do? How could someone be harmed? What prevents or reduces that exposure? Who checks the control, and when?
1. Accept the finishing area
Hazard: An unready slab, opening or crossing worker can cause loss of control or a fall.
Control: Foreperson obtains the placing crew’s handover, protects openings and establishes a machine zone with a clear operator route. Hold machine access until the slab and route suit the equipment.
Verification: Foreperson and operator walk the route before bringing the trowel into the zone.
Why this belongs in the analysis: A placing handover does not automatically release every finishing machine.
2. Move and position the stopped machine
Hazard: Awkward handling or an unexpected start can strain workers or expose them to rotating parts.
Control: Use the unit’s specified handling method with assistance or suitable handling equipment. Stop and secure the engine before movement; keep people outside pinch points.
Verification: Operator checks the handling instructions and confirms the machine remains stopped during positioning.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The transport task has different exposures from troweling.
3. Inspect the machine and release control
Hazard: Missing guards or a defeated operator release control can permit blade contact or an uncontrolled machine.
Control: Trained operator checks guarding, blade attachment and controls using the model instructions. The manually guided powered trowel must shut off power when hands leave its handles; remove a defective unit from service.
Verification: Operator completes the manufacturer’s safe control check without reaching into the rotating zone and records defects.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The release control must function; a visible handle alone proves nothing.
4. Make the finishing passes
Hazard: The rotating machine can pull, strike or trap the operator; wet cement contact and noise can injure workers.
Control: Operator follows the unit’s starting and guiding method, keeps the helper outside its travel path and uses assessed skin, eye, foot and hearing protection. Keep exhaust out of occupied areas. Stop for loss of footing or unusual response.
Verification: Crew confirms stop communication and separation; operator watches footing and machine response throughout each pass.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The working position and machine zone control the contact exposure.
5. Stop for adjustment or cleaning
Hazard: Stored rotation and unintended starting can cause severe contact injury.
Control: Stop, wait for motion to cease and control hazardous energy under the applicable concrete equipment and manufacturer procedure before blade adjustment or servicing. Never bypass the release control.
Verification: Authorized person verifies the required safe state before entering the guarded area.
Why this belongs in the analysis: An idle engine is not evidence that servicing is safe.
6. Refuel and hand over
Hazard: Hot surfaces, fuel spills or an unsecured machine can create fire or trip hazards for the next crew.
Control: Refuel only after shutdown and cooling as instructed in the designated location. Collect residue, park the machine securely and identify unfinished edges or restricted areas to the receiving crew.
Verification: Foreperson checks the machine parking location and finishing area at handover.
Why this belongs in the analysis: The analysis ends when the next crew can use the area safely.
What does a useful control look like?
| Needs improvement | More useful for this scenario |
|---|---|
| Be careful around the equipment. | Trained operator checks guarding, blade attachment and controls using the model instructions. The manually guided powered trowel must shut off power when hands leave its handles; remove a defective unit from service. |
| Check the area before starting. | Foreperson obtains the placing crew’s handover, protects openings and establishes a machine zone with a clear operator route. Hold machine access until the slab and route suit the equipment. |
Decisions that change the analysis
Can this example be used for a ride on trowel?
No. Ride on controls, access, handling and emergency actions differ. Develop that machine’s analysis from its instructions rather than copying the manually guided release-control method.
What must be recorded before this example is used on a job?
Replace the scenario with the actual work, identify additional hazards with the crew, and record the applicable instructions, responsible people, inspection findings, unresolved actions and required authorization. A planned verification is not an inspection result.
Agree when the crew will pause
- Operator release control fails or guarding is damaged.
- The job moves indoors or exhaust can reach occupied space.
- Slab support, footing, machine response or nearby work changes.
After a pause, correct the condition, reassess the work, and obtain required authorization before restarting. Keep unresolved actions visible.
Download the worked example and free template
No account or paid membership required. The worked example contains planned controls. The blank template is for your own work; neither includes fabricated inspection results, signatures or approval.
Your editable working copy
Build and download your draft
Start blank or load the learning example. Replace its assumptions with your actual conditions and involve the people doing the work. Your entries stay in this browser tab; download a copy before leaving or refreshing.
1. Describe your work and site
2. Work through each task
Describe an observable step, how someone could be harmed, and the control that acts on that hazard. Identify who checks it and what evidence is needed.
3. Record changes, checks, and open actions
Walk the work area, review with the crew, and resolve missing controls. Follow the required approval process. This tool does not judge completeness, verify signatures or authorize work.
Open the downloaded file in a browser, then use Print → Save as PDF for a printable copy.
Training needs to confirm
- Machine familiarization and demonstrated control of the actual unit.
- Wet cement contact, noise and exhaust hazard instruction.
Confirm applicable qualifications, task instruction and actual training evidence for the people assigned. Related toolbox talks support crew discussion; they do not establish competence.
Common questions
Can this be used as a JSA?
Use the Task | Hazard | Control structure if it meets the employer’s format. Adapt the boundaries, controls, verification and records to the actual job.
Does this provide a completed USACE AHA?
No. Use the project’s required AHA process, risk method, supporting fields and acceptance requirements. The existing formwork AHA explains the additional structure.
Are these resources part of a paid course?
This walkthrough, browser draft builder and downloads are free public resources, separate from Academy course enrollment.
References and source note
- OSHA 1926.702 Concrete equipment and tools
- OSHA 1926.300 Hand and power tools
- OSHA 1926.21 Safety training and education
Original worked example developed for the stated scenario. Primary references support the planning framework; the actual equipment manual, product instructions and project design must supply applicable operating and acceptance criteria. Use actual equipment instructions and site requirements alongside these references. Reference review: October 9, 2026.