Job Hazard Analysis - Simplified

Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is one of the most cost effective safety tools any manager can have at their disposal.  The process involves reviewing the basic steps needed to perform a particular task while working.  Next, the identification of potential hazards associated with the various job tasks is compiled.   Finally, steps to mitigate the loss potential are taken through various means like job redesign, use of PPE or elimination of tasks if necessary.

Steps to Conducting the JHA

The simplest and most straightforward method for conducting the JHA is to break it down into 5 steps.

1.  Choose the Job to Review

Selecting a job is as easy as listing then by categories – new jobs, risk prone jobs, those with a history of prior accident/injury and those with highest risk of serious injury!

 2.  Deconstruct the Job

By simply listing the basic steps involved with the particular job task and placing them in the order in which they are performed you can then describe what is being done in brief but informative steps.  You will then need to observe a worker that is accomplished in the particular task. Make sure the employee is informed about what you are doing and why.  Observe the steps being taken and record them. Verify with the employee that what you have recorded is in fact what is being done.

3.  Identify the Hazards & Potential Risks

Hazards that might present themselves during each of the steps can consist of factors associated with job site conditions or the very methods used to complete tasks. 

Potential hazards include, but not limited to: Being struck by objects, falls, ergonomic (material handling) issues, trip hazards, exposure to chemicals or hazardous dusts or fumes, being trapped in confined spaces or in between objects or surfaces.  Working alone might be also considered a hazard unto itself.

Once you have identified these hazards you will need to list them (yes there is a simplified form to do that). 

4.  Take Corrective Measures

Last but not least is the step that involves developing practical solutions for removal of the hazards and preventing accidents. 

Finding another way of completing the job – or eliminating it altogether is the first thing to consider to remove the risk.  Having another contractor complete the job is another solution that eliminates your risk. Changing the job site dynamics, work flow, housekeeping and organization of work schedules is a third consideration.  Yet another way is by completing tasks less often, at different times or through a combination of various solutions. Lastly if nothing can be done to completely remove the hazard – the use of PPE can be adopted as a part of the work process.

5.  Document What Work You Have Completed

Be sure to take all the lessons learned and record them so others can benefit in the future - no sense in doing this simply as an exercise when valuable lessons can be learned and passed along to others in your workforce or new hires.

 Advantages of Conducting the JHA  

Once completed this now valuable tool can be employed at various times afterwards.

·         Use to train new hires about the hazards associated with the job.

·         Use as a basis for retraining after an accident or for reference when investigating an accident involving a particular job being done.

·         If the JHA needs revision at some later date, then all employees associated with the work procedures should be retrained.    Involving employees in the hazard analysis process can be advantageous in that they will take ownership in the process as well as it contributing to overall recollection and practice of the safety measures.  

·     Jobs that are not done on a regular basis should allow workers to review  the JHA before completing tasks so they can refresh their memory of the safety precautions or PPE required for working safely.

·         Video or photographic recording of the various steps can also prove to be effective as many persons are more apt to be visual learners.

See following partially completed document sample that illustrate the process:

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Date Completed:                                        Reviewed By:

Conducted By:                                            [    ] New    [    ] Revised JHA           

Job Title:                                                                                                         

Department or Work Group:                                                 

Basic Job Sequence Steps Break the job into a sequence of identifiable steps. All of the steps should accompany some major task which will consist of a series of movements. Look at each and every series of movements within that basic task.

Potential Hazards Completing a JHA effectively requires that you identify the hazards or potential hazards associated with each step. All sources of energy must be identified. It is essential to assess the entire work environment in order to find every possible hazard that might exist.

Safety Procedures Decide what actions are necessary to eliminate, control, or reduce hazards that might lead to accidents, injuries, damage to the environment or possible occupational illness. Each safe job procedure or action must correspond to the job steps and identified hazards.

1.  Remove Ladder From Truck	1.  Material Handling Issues	1.  Use Proper Techniques
2.  Inspect Ladder	2. Defective Ladder	2.  Require Regular Inspections of all ladders by Supervisors and Employees
3.  Carry Ladder to Site	3. Strains, Slip/Fall	3. Use 2 person lift if needed
4.  Set Up Ladder	4. Strains, Slip/Fall	4.  Develop proper sequence for erecting ladder per mfg instructions – train workers.
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