Analyzing Safety and Hazards on the Job
Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) are often talked about as separate activities, but are actually very much the same. The basic idea is that they both involve the careful study of each job step to identify potential or existing job hazards generated by equipment, environments or employee actions. The most efficient way to reduce or eliminate hazards is then determined.
Why Two Different Names?
The reference to JHA and JSA can be traced back to at least two different safety entities – OSHA and the National Safety Council (NSC).
OSHA defines JHA as 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 identifying uncontrolled hazards, steps can be taken to eliminate or reduce hazards to acceptable risk levels.
The NSC defines JSA as a method for making a job safer. In a JSA, three things need to occur:
• Observe step by step how a worker does a job task.
• Look for possible hazards in each step of the task.
• Identify ways to eliminate or reduce each hazard so each task step is safer.
Safety and Hazard Analysis Fundamentals
The foundations on which JSAs and JHAs are built include:
• Jobs can be analyzed for hazards in systematic ways.
• Specific jobs can be separated into a series of relatively simple steps.
• Hazards associated with each step can be identified.
• Solutions can be developed to control each hazard.
As a result of this systematic approach, every analysis has the following five common elements:
• Selection of job for analysis
• Breakdown of job into steps
• Identification of hazardous conditions and behaviors
• Mitigation or elimination of hazards
• Documenting the safety and hazard analysis
Selection of Job for Analysis
The criteria to select a job for analysis should include:
• Jobs with the highest accident rates or greatest potential for injuries
• New jobs
• Jobs that involve changes in processes and procedures
Special emphasis should be placed on jobs that present high risks or significant hazards such as jobs that include unusual personnel safety exposure, jobs with a history of injuries or close calls, and new or infrequently performed jobs.
Breakdown of Job into Steps
• Review the scope of the entire job.
• Break down the job into successive steps or actions.
• Sequentially list the actions needed to complete every step of the job.
• Observe the job from start to finish.
Identification of Hazardous Conditions and Behaviors
Hazard identification can fall into two categories: (1) conditions (environment or exposures) and (2) behaviors (actions of the individual). Both can influence injuries or other events that bring about adverse consequences.
Mitigation or Elimination of Hazards
Develop safe methods to eliminate or lessen hazards and prevent potential accidents. The order of preference and effectiveness of hazard control is engineering control, administrative control, and, finally, additional PPE.
Documenting the Safety and Hazard Analysis
Documenting the safety and hazard assessment is as important as the actual performance of the assessment. A documented assessment will provide you with information for training, as well as ensure the information is not lost as personnel move around in or leave your organization. Many examples of assessment forms can be found on the Internet, including those developed by OSHA and the NSC.
Additionally, your analysis is a living document that needs to be maintained. Revise the analysis when conditions or work processes change, the scope of work changes or lessons are learned.
By executing a simple plan of job identification and analysis, many hazards faced by you and your teammates can be tamed, resulting in a healthy and injury-free workplace!
About the Author: John Boyle is Corporate Director of Quality, Safety and Environment for Acciona Energy North America, a sustainable energy company that develops and operates wind and solar power facilities across North America. Boyle has more than 26 years of experience in nuclear generation and electric and gas distribution, which provides him with unique insight into the safety challenges faced by utility workers.
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