Job Safety/Hazard Analysis - Environmental Health & Safety

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a process for reducing a task into its component steps and then evaluating each step to determine the hazards to the individual performing the work. Once identified, the hazard can be eliminated or reduced using the Hierarchy of Controls (i.e., elimination, substitution, administrative controls or safe work practices, or lastly personal protective equipment). Additional requirements such as authorized training or additional supervision may also be needed. While the analyses for some tasks are very detailed, for many tasks a thorough review of the work by the affected individuals is usually sufficient. The final outcome of the analysis is a written document outlining the safe work practices for a particular task.

Potential benefits of an analysis include:

Protection of employees
Prevention of injuries
Establishes safe work performance standards
Standardizes operations based on acceptable safe work practices and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Provides training documentation regarding a worker’s knowledge of the job requirements
Assists in compliance with regulatory requirements

For more information about conducting a Job Safety or Hazard Analysis, contact Environmental Health and Safety at (828) 251-6038.

Complete a Job Safety/Hazard Analysis.

Check out the Job Safety/Hazard Analysis Flow Chart.

Check out the Hierarchy of Controls.

What is Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

JSAs are used to describe how to perform a task step-by-step, any hazards associated with a task, and controls to mitigate these hazards. JSAs can be used to educate employees on safe work practices prior to performing the work and utilizing equipment.

When should a JSA be created?

JSAs should be developed for all equipment and specific operations that present safety hazards and/or concerns. Employees must be trained on and have a good understanding of the instructions and hazards listed in the JSA prior to engaging in such work practices.

Who is responsible for creating JSAs?

Although Supervisors and Environmental Health and Safety generally develop the JSAs, the forms must be reviewed by workers performing the job for feedback and suggestions. Often times, employees who routinely utilize equipment and/or perform specific job tasks are better able to identify certain hazards associated with the work, so it is critical that those individuals be involved in the JSA development process.

What is an SOP?

A standard operating procedure (SOP) is a written document or instruction detailing all steps and activities of the work. The SOP should provide environmental health and safety practices as well as other important information to perform the work safely and correctly.

What is the difference between a JSA and an SOP?

While both documents provide general information about specific work, a JSA is typically equipment specific (e.g. table saw, etc.) whereas an SOP provides a broader scope that includes multiple steps of the work being performed (e.g. cabinet repair).

What if I can’t find a JSA in the library that’s fits my job?

The Job Safety Analysis (JSA) listed (alphabetically) below have been developed by Departmental Supervisors and are available for download. These JSAs have been written for the specific jobs indicated on the document. However, these can be downloaded and customized to enhance specific equipment/operations for a particular department or similar job with more or less detail as needed. JSAs from the library can be printed, given to employees, and used for on-the-job training with their supervisor or team lead.

Contact EHS at (828) 251-6038 for customization assistance or to place your unique JSA in the library.