Job Safety Analysis
What is a job hazard analysis or safety analysis?
A job safety analysis (JSA) is a procedure which helps integrate accepted safety and
health principles and practices into a particular task or job operation.
In a JSA, each basic step of the job identifies potential hazards and recommends the
safest way to do the job. Other terms used to describe this procedure (such as Job
Hazard Analysis, Job Task Analysis or Job Hazard Breakdown), but all contain the same
type of information.
Some individuals prefer to expand the analysis into all aspects of the job, not just
safety. This approach is known as total job analysis. Methodology is based on the idea
that safety is an integral part of every job and not a separate entity. In this document,
only health and safety aspects are considered.
The terms "job" and "task" are commonly used interchangeably to mean a specific
work assignment, such as "operating a grinder,” or "using a pressurized water
extinguisher.” JSAs are not suitable for jobs defined too broadly, for example,
"overhauling an engine"; or too narrowly, for example, "positioning car jack."
What is the value of a job hazard analysis?
One of the methods used to develop a job hazard analysis to observe a worker actually performing the job. The major advantage of this method is that it does not rely on individual memory and by observing or performing the process the observer is forced to recognize the potential hazards. For infrequently performed or new jobs, observation may not be practical.
Another approach is to have a group of experienced workers and supervisors complete the analysis through discussion. An advantage of this method is that more people are involved in a wider base of experience and promoting a more ready acceptance of the resulting work procedure.
Initial benefits from developing a JSA will become clear in the preparation stage. The analysis process may identify previously undetected hazards and increase the job knowledge of those participating. Safety and health awareness is raised, communication between workers and supervisors is improved, and acceptance of safe work procedures is promoted.
A JSA, can create the beginning for written work procedures based on the JSA. It can serve as a teaching aid for initial job training and as a briefing guide for infrequent jobs. It may be used as a standard for health and safety inspections or observations. In particular, a JSA will assist in completing comprehensive accident investigations.
We provide the initial collaboration to the final product of providing effective JSAs.
