Job Safety Analysis

(JSA) Process

Safety Management System 2006

SMS ST030 2007

 

A job safety analysis process (also referred to as a JSA, Job Hazard Analysis, of JHA) 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 tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.

To start the JSA process, select the job or task to be performed. Any job that has hazards or potential hazards is a candidate for a JSA. An uncommon or seldom performed job is also a good candidate for a JSA.

A JSA is an exercise in detective work. Your goal is to discover the following:

Rarely is a hazard a simple case of one singular cause resulting in one singular effect. More frequently, many contributing factors tend to line up in a certain way to create the hazard.

You will need to identify all steps, hazards, and safe work procedures before starting the job. Performing a JSA is a multi-step process:

Break the job into a sequence of steps. Each of the steps should accompany some major task. That task will consist of a series of movements. Look at each of the movements within that basic task.

A hazard is the potential for harm. In practical terms, a hazard is often associated with a condition or activity, if left uncontrolled, can result in injury or illness.

To complete a JSA effectively, you must identify the hazards or potential hazards associated with each step. Every possible source of energy must be identified. It is very important to look at the entire environment to determine every conceivable hazard that might exist. Hazards contribute to accidents and injuries.

 

 

 

Using the sequence of basic job steps and potential hazards, decide what actions are necessary to eliminate, control, or minimize hazards that could 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.

 

Everyone involved in implementing a job or task should be present when the JSA is written. The JSA should be reviewed, approved and signed by the Steward before the task is started. Understanding every job step is very important!

Periodically reviewing your JSA ensures that it remains current and continues to help reduce workplace accidents and injuries. Even if the job has not changed, it is possible that during the review process you identify hazards that were not identified in the initial analysis.

It is particularly important to review your JSA if an injury or illness occurs on a specific job. Based on the circumstances, you may determine that you need to change the job procedure to prevent similar incidents in the future. If an employee’s failure to follow proper job procedures results in a "near miss", discuss the situation with all employees who perform the job, review the JSA and modify as needed to remind them of proper procedures. Any time you revise a job hazard analysis, it is important to train all employees affected by the changes in the new job methods, procedures, or protective measures adopted.

Common Hazards and Descriptions:

Hazards Hazard Descriptions

Chemical

(Toxic)

A chemical that exposes a person by absorption through the skin, inhalation, or through the blood stream that causes illness, disease or death. The amount of chemical exposure is critical in determining hazardous effects. Check Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for chemical hazard information.

 

Chemical

(Flammable)

 

A chemical that, when exposed to a heat ignition source, results in combustion. Typically, the lower a chemical’s flash point and boiling point, the more flammable the chemical. Check MSDS for flammability information.

Hazards

Chemical

(Corrosive)

Hazards Description

A chemical that, when it comes in contact with skin, metal, or other materials, damages the materials. Acids and bases are examples of corrosives.

Electrical

(Shock/Short Circuit)

Contact with exposed conductors or a device that is incorrectly or inadvertently grounded, such as when a metal ladder comes into contact with power lines. 60Hz alternating current (common house current) is very dangerous because it can stop the heart.

Electrical

(Fire)

Use of electrical power that results in electrical overheating or arcing to the point of combustion or ignition of flammables, or electrical component damage.

Electrical

(Shock/Short Circuit)

Contact with exposed conductors or a device that is incorrectly or inadvertently grounded, such as when a metal ladder comes into contact with power lines. 60Hz alternating current (common house current) is very dangerous because it can stop the heart.

Electrical

(Fire)

Use of electrical power that results in electrical overheating or arcing to the point of combustion or ignition of flammables, or electrical component damage.

 

Electrical

(Static)

The moving or rubbing of wool, nylon, other synthetic fibers, and even flowing liquids can generate static electricity. This creates an excess or deficiency of electrons on the surface of materials that discharges (spark) to the ground resulting in the ignition of flammables or damage to electronics or the body’s nervous system.

 

Hazards

Fall

(Slip, Trip)

Hazards Description

Conditions that result in falls from height or traditional walking services (such as slippery floors, poor housekeeping, uneven walking surfaces, exposed ledges etc.)

Mechanical Failure

 

 

Struck Against

Typically occurs when devices exceed designed capacity or are inadequately maintained.

Injury to a body part as a result of coming into contact of a surface in which action was initiated by the person. (An example is when a screwdriver slips.)

Visibility

Lack of lighting or obstructed vision that results in an error or other hazard.