Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

A job safety analysis is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify the hidden hazards before they occur. It is a technique that focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools and the work environment and the risks that the unique relationship poses.

Job safety analysis forms part of many existing risk reduction programs. In general, it separates a specific job or work assignment into a series of relatively simple steps and then identifies the hazards associated with each step in order to develop solutions to control each hazard.

The Job Safety Analysis process typically uses five steps to help the assessor to identify the risks and develop safe operating procedures. These steps are summarized as follows:

Step 1

Observe the work activities

It is important for the person conducting the job safety analysis to observe the work activities associated with the task in order for the assessor to get a clear understanding of the process that will be analyzed. In addition to this it is important to establish and confirm the actual way in which the job is being carries out.

Step 2

Break the Job down into steps

The norm is to utilize a "Job Hazard Analysis Worksheet" to record the steps observed. This worksheet normally contains the job title and the JSA number for reference purposes. It is suggested that a job should not be broken down into more than about 15 steps. If this is necessary it indicated that the job has been define to broadly and should be redefined.

Step 3

Describe the hazards in each step of the task

During this step the hazards in each step should be identified, described and recorded on the "Job Hazard Analysis Worksheet". The information gathered here is a valuable way to eliminate the hazards in the process of reducing the risk profile of the job.

Step 4

Develop control measures

During this step it is required to identify and record the recommended actions and procedures to control the hazard associated with each step.

The hierarchy or preferred order of selecting control measures is contained in ILO Convention C176. This convention stipulates as follows:

• Eliminate any recorded risk;

• Control the risk at source;

• Minimise the risk; and

• In so far as the risk remains--

o Provide for personal protective equipment; and

o Institute a programme to monitor the risk to which employees may be exposed.

Step 5

Develop Operating procedures.

Once the control measures have been developed it is important to integrate this into the company written operating procedures. The resulting operating procedures are called a safe operating procedure (SOP). This "safe operating procedure" is a written summary of the Job Safety Analysis worksheets

Conclusion

A job safety analysis consists of a chart listing these steps, hazards and controls. Using this in a risk reduction programs require the review of the job safety analysis, provided that a job safety analysis has been conducted for the tasks that are the object of the risk reduction program. This implies that a job safety analysis should be performed if one is not available.

The main aim of a job safety analysis is to prevent accidents by trying to anticipate and then eliminate the associated hazards by developing safe operating procedures for the high risk jobs in the work environment.

© 2009 Carl Marx