How to Conduct A Job Safety Analysis
Nov 21st 2018
Job Safety Analysis (JSA)
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is the process of describing the individual steps a job requires and eliminating any hazards that might be present while performing those steps. Conducting a JSA is an integral part of workplace safety. Performing the JSA accurately and comprehensively will help your workplace avoid preventable accidents and injuries.
What Is a Job Safety Analysis?
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) has two main goals:
1. Identify workplace hazards
Understand every potential source of injury or incident within a job.
2. Eliminate or control hazards
Implement controls so the job can be performed as safely as possible.
This process should be completed for every job in your workplace, and written procedures that identify job steps and hazards must be available to all workers. The findings of a JSA help supervisors implement important changes to their safety program and maintain a safe, ethical, and efficient operation.
Selecting Jobs for a JSA
Each job in a workplace should be considered separately, and a JSA should provide specific, complete instructions for safe operation. Jobs with a high frequency of injuries or a high risk of severe injury should be selected first.
How to Analyze a Job
To analyze a job for safety, break it down into a series of simple job steps. The job safety analyst should carefully observe experienced workers performing the job under normal conditions. Videotaping is helpful for documenting each required step.
The analyst should also discuss the job with experienced employees who can describe how they perform each step and suggest ways to eliminate unnecessary steps or combine them into more efficient actions. These two methods—careful observation and employee interviews—should be the primary sources used when defining the steps. Referencing manufacturer instruction manuals is a useful supplement.
Writing Clear Job Steps
Each step should be described using a simple action verb so employees understand precisely what to do.
- Use direct phrases such as “Pull lever” or “Turn arm leftwards.”
- Avoid vague language like “Be careful” or “Pay attention.”
- Describe what needs to be done, not how to do it.
- List the steps in the order they are performed, ideally ten or fewer.
Describing Hazards
Once each step has been determined, list all hazards associated with each step. Tools, the workstation, the work environment, and surrounding activities can all pose hazards.
Ask experienced workers what hazards they encounter and what precautions they currently use. Workers’ compensation forms and incident reports associated with a job are also valuable sources. Hazards should be listed directly and concisely using industry-standard terminology—for example, “caught-between” for work near moving parts. At this stage, focus on identifying hazards, not solutions.
Controlling or Eliminating Hazards
The best solution is to eliminate a hazard entirely, but that is not always possible. If you cannot remove the hazard, look for ways to control it through substitution, engineering controls, or administrative controls. If these options are not feasible, personal protective equipment (PPE) must be provided so employees can work safely around remaining hazards.
PPE should be viewed as the last line of defense, used when more preventative measures are not possible. Whenever you can, prioritize eliminating hazards at the source.
- Substitution: Replace a hazardous material or process with a safer alternative (for example, using a less-toxic chemical).
- Administrative controls: Provide hands-on training and clear procedures for safe work practices, including hazardous energy control and safe chemical handling.
- Engineering controls: Use guards, warning signs, emergency alarm systems, and other physical safeguards.
- PPE: Gloves, protective glasses, respirators, hard hats, and non-conductive boots. Employers must supply adequate PPE and training in its use.
Conclusion
A Job Safety Analysis is an essential part of a broad, company-wide commitment to safety. It should be conducted for each job in your workplace. Involving workers in the process helps you understand how each job is really performed and encourages a strong, safety-focused culture.
For more detailed guidance from OSHA, visit:
https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.pdf
To download a sample Job Safety Analysis form, visit:
https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy11/sh-22239-11/Handout2-JobSafetyAnalysisForm.pdf