Wouldn’t you rather prevent an accident than investigate it after the fact? That’s what Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is all about. Also known as Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) or Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA), JSA is a simple, inexpensive and effective management tool that can be used to identify, analyze and record: 1) the steps involved in performing a specific job; 2) the existing or potential safety and health hazards associated with each step; and 3) the recommended action(s)/procedure(s) that will eliminate or reduce these hazards and the risk of a workplace injury or illness. The benefits of Job Safety Analysis are well known: identification and elimination or control of hazards before the work begins; consistent job and safety training; improved employee safety performance; increased management awareness of safety hazards; improved labor and management cooperation; improved compliance with applicable regulations; and more accurate accident investigations.

Which Jobs Should Be Analyzed?

Workers perform many different tasks as part of their job classifications — everything from setting up ladders and assembling trench shields to unloading trucks and entering confined spaces. Each of these tasks involves different hazards that could be evaluated. So where to begin? Generally, it makes the most sense to first select jobs that have a history of accidents, have the greatest potential for serious injury, are frequently performed, are performed by the greatest number of employees and are new to those who will be performing them. Over a period of time, all jobs can be evaluated. Some jobs are routine and may require a general evaluation. Others may require a more in-depth evaluation. When tools, equipment, methods, procedures or jobsites change, some JSAs may have to be revised or updated.

Here are just some of the hazards that should be considered when completing a JSA: impact with a falling or flying object; penetration by sharp objects; caught in or between a stationary/moving object; falls from an elevated work platform, ladders or stairs; excessive lifting, twisting, pushing, pulling, reaching or bending; repetitive motion; exposure to vibrating power tools, excessive noise, cold, heat, harmful levels of gases, vapors, liquids, fumes or dusts; exposure to cave-ins; electrical hazards; light (optical) radiation (e.g., welding operations); and water (potential for drowning or fungal infections caused by wetness).

JSA Methods

There are two basic JSA methods: group discussion and direct observation. A third method can be established by combining the two basic methods.

The group discussion method requires the manager/foreman to meet with employees familiar with the job being analyzed. Each group member draws upon his/her experience and visualizes the job steps and potential hazards. Sometimes photos or videos of a worker performing the job are used to help stimulate the group members’ thought processes. They review the job from start to finish by breaking it down into steps. The group evaluates each step to determine the hazards that could lead to an accident.

When the hazards are listed, the group focuses on the changes in the environment or procedures that can control or eliminate the hazard. The advantages of the discussion method are the many points of view considered, increased worker knowledge and increased worker involvement in company safety activities. Workers in the group are more inclined to promote and follow the established procedures if they are involved in creating them. A good time to create JSAs using this method is when work is slow and/or during inclement weather.

As the name suggests, direct observation method involves observing a worker while he or she performs a specific task. It is best to select an experienced employee who is willing to be observed. The observer should list each step performed by the worker. Cameras and video cameras can be used to record the steps for a more in-depth review, but don’t let taking the photographs become distracting to the worker. (Try not to use the flash attachment).

The observer should then note the potential hazards connected with each step and try to identify changes in the environment or work procedures that will eliminate potential accidents. There are several advantages to this method.
The observer does not have to know how the job is performed, because he/she is watching and recording the work steps as they are done. There is less interruption to the work because the observations are performed while the work is in progress. Workers and observers (often managers) also tend to experience improved knowledge, communications and mutual understanding.

Performing the Job Hazard Analysis

A JSA has three basic phases: 1) list the steps required to complete the job; 2) identify the hazards associated with each step; and 3) develop solutions for controlling or eliminating the hazards.

Phase 1 – List the job steps. Every job must be broken down into distinct steps in the order of occurrence. Document enough information to describe each step, but do not make the breakdown too detailed. Try to limit the number of job steps to 10 or fewer well-defined steps. Each step will consist of a set of movements. For example, “Pick up box and place on hand truck” or “Push hand truck to storage area.” All steps should start with an action word — e.g., push, pull, lift, move, carry, insert, tighten, etc. Review the steps with experienced workers to ensure they are complete and descriptive.

Phase 2 – Identify the hazards. Each step should be examined to discover any existing or potential hazards. When listing hazards, don’t just list the obvious hazards; list every conceivable hazard that could reasonably cause an accident. Be sure to include health hazards, even though the potential harmful effects may not be immediate.

Phase 3 – Determine how to control or eliminate the hazard. Hazards must be reviewed and recommendations made to eliminate or control them. Hazards can often be minimized by: changing the sequence of steps; modifying or changing the tools, machines, equipment or materials; implementing engineering controls; installing guards; changing methods; providing personal protective equipment; etc. In brief, what will make the job safer to perform? Be specific. Say exactly what needs to be done to correct the hazard, such as “lift using your leg muscles.” Do not use general statements like “be careful.” Provide a recommendation for each hazard. Also, list recommended safe operating procedures and appropriate personal protective equipment.

Whatever JSA method is used the analysis should be properly documented (see www.maricopa.gov/safety/jsa_library.asp for completed samples). Completed JSAs should be reviewed by managers, workers and the safety coordinators to ensure that nothing has been overlooked. Executive management or safety managers should approve any results that will become part of the safety program. Once approved, the JSA documents should be shared with all managers, foremen and supervisors to ensure they are aware of established company procedures for specific jobs. Effective toolbox talks can be created by selecting JSAs appropriate to a given jobsite. Workers tend to take great interest in training that is directly related to what they are doing.

Time and time again, job safety analysis has proven to be an effective means of preventing accidents by finding and eliminating or controlling hazards before the job is performed. JSAs can be used to train/retrain employees and foremen and to give pre-job instructions. It can help managers and supervisors develop and improve job methods and procedures, not just in the area of safety, but often in other areas like production and quality control. Its greatest value is in standardizing work methods and safe operating procedures.

For further information about how to complete a JSA, refer to OSHA’s Publication #3071 (www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.html).

George Kennedy is NUCA Vice President of Safety.