Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis
Share thisOne of the cornerstones of a successful safety and health program is a process called job hazard analysis (JHA) or job safety analysis (JSA). These are fancy terms for figuring out the potential risks associated with a particular job and devising ways to control or eliminate them before an injury or accident occurs.
The JHA technique focuses on the individual tasks associated with a job and the identification of controls for the hazards in each job step. JHA is like occupational detective work. You must solve the mystery of what can go wrong, how could it happen, what would be the result if it did, how likely is it to occur and how can we prevent it from happening.
Before actually beginning the job hazard analysis, size up the general conditions. In a cage wash area, for example, there are some general observations you might make:
- Are there bags, cages, hoses, or other materials on the floor that could trip a worker?
- Is lighting adequate?
- Are extension cords in use? GFCIs? Are there other electrical concerns?
- Where are the chemicals stored? Are they labeled?
- Are carts, cages, or washing equipment in need of repair?
- Is it very loud? Is it very hot?
- Are emergency exits or safety showers blocked by equipment or carts?
- Is there standing water on the floor?
- Are contamination control procedures being followed?
- Is there evidence of eating or drinking in this area?
- Are employees wearing appropriate personal protective equipment for their jobs?
- Are workers bending and twisting at the waist?
After you have recorded the job steps, examine each step to determine the hazards that exist or that might occur.
After you have listed each hazard or potential hazard, review them with the employee performing the job. Determine whether the job could be performed in another way to eliminate the hazards.
From Occupational Detective at Work: The Job Hazard Analysis by the Safety Guys