Snowplow Blade and Wing Safety

• Pinch and crush hazards from blades and wings
• Unexpected hydraulic movement
• Striking curbs, manholes, mailboxes, vehicles, or fixed objects
• Reduced visibility around plow equipment
• Workers standing too close during adjustment or inspection
• Damage from worn cutting edges, loose pins, or failed components

Snowplow blades and wings are powerful pieces of equipment. They move snow, ice, slush, and debris, but they can also create serious pinch, crush, struck-by, and visibility hazards.

Workers should stay clear of blades and wings when they are being raised, lowered, angled, adjusted, or inspected. Hydraulic movement can happen quickly, and equipment may shift even when the truck is not moving.

Operators should be aware of the full width of the blade and wing. A wing can extend into areas that are hard to see, especially near parked vehicles, mailboxes, signs, curbs, bridge rails, and pedestrians.

Obstacles hidden by snow can damage equipment or cause sudden movement. Manholes, curbs, utility lids, debris, uneven pavement, and frozen piles can all catch the blade or wing.

Inspection and maintenance should be done carefully. Cutting edges, shoes, pins, chains, cylinders, hoses, mounts, and lights should be checked for wear, looseness, damage, or leaks.

No one should work beneath raised blades or wings unless the equipment is properly lowered, blocked, or secured according to procedure. Hydraulic pressure alone should not be trusted to hold equipment safely.

Traffic exposure increases when blades and wings are used near roads, intersections, and shoulders. Operators should use warning lights, maintain awareness, and avoid sudden movements that surprise nearby drivers.

Blade and wing safety depends on spacing, visibility, inspection, and communication. Everyone on the crew should respect the equipment’s movement and stay out of areas where they could be struck or crushed.

• Stay clear of moving blades and wings.
• Watch the full width of the plow equipment.
• Look for hidden obstacles under snow and ice.
• Inspect cutting edges, pins, chains, mounts, and hydraulics.
• Do not work under raised equipment unless it is properly secured.
• Use warning lights and maintain traffic awareness.
• Report damage or hydraulic leaks immediately.

• Are workers staying clear of blades and wings during movement?
• Can the operator see the full area affected by the wing?
• Are hidden obstacles likely on this route or site?
• Has the blade, wing, and hydraulic system been inspected?
• Is raised equipment properly secured before anyone works near it?