JHA (Job hazard analysis) or JSA (Job safety analysis) is a step by step process adopted to determine the hazards involved in a particular job task and the safety measures necessary to eliminate the hazard or mitigate its effect if exposed to it.
According to OSHA, “Job hazard analysis is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tool and the environment”.
The Job Hazard Analysis process helps in determining the hazards involved in every job task early, which will help prevent injury to the workers who will be involved in the task.
JHA is a comprehensive process. It requires that the specific job task is broken down into steps. The hazards involved with each step is identified, assessed and control measure determined before the next step of the job it picked.
For JSA to be effective, it is carried out as a group; not a one-man affair. The group may involve the job supervisor if necessary, the formen, the Health and Safety representative, to the least worker.
The hazard identification will involve experiential assessment, educational expertise, standards and documents like MSDS, COSHH, Local and international regulations, etc.
These experience, educational expertise with documents backup will also be needful in proffering adequate control measures.
I will be showing you a JSA template and a practical JSA video that will help you understand the JHA process better.
In summary, someone will ask; How do I carry out JSA (Job Hazard Analysis)
Let me summarize what I have been explaining all along in bits:
How to carry out Job Hazard Analysis
- Break the task into steps: The specific task to be carried out should be broken down into minute steps; no step must be overlooked.
Task: Cutting a concrete wall at height using and Cut-off saw
- Convey the cutting machine to the task location
- Take the machine up the scaffold together with the necessary accessories
- Fix the cutting disc
- Fuel the machine,
- And so on, till the last.
The above are simple steps. Note that each step is action oriented.
- Identify the hazards involved in each step.
Example: Continuing with the task we picked.
Hazards for step 1: Convey the cutting machine to the task location
- Falling off of the equipment
- Trip and fall
- Poor lifting technique
- Cuts, etc
Recommendation for step 1
- Make sure the equipment is well secured inside the conveying vehicle to prevent fall off.
- Access and egress to and from the location of the equipment in the store should be cleared to prevent trip and fall.
- If the equipment is too heavy for one person to carry, more than one person should be assigned to carry it out. If necessary, a machinery can be used to lift it out and loaded in the conveying vehicle.
- Hand gloves may be needed if the equipment has rough edges that could result in cuts while lifting it out. Etc.
The steps for the job task should be enumerated till the end, the Hazards and recommendations will be determined for each steps.
Remember: Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a step by step process which should be followed.
See the JHA design template and practical video below