Implementing a job safety analysis (JSA) initiative is an essential component of your Safety Program for ensuring workplace safety. JSA, also referred to as JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) is a step-by-step process to identify hazards and potential hazards of tasks performed during work processes. Once identified, the hazards can then be eliminated and controlled.
The steps in the JSA process often include:
- Determining how the JSAs will be used, maintained, evaluated, and revised.
- Educating managers and employees on JSAs, the process, and the benefits
- Educating stakeholders on hazards and identifying hazards
- Establishing a JSA Committee or Task Group
- Listing the main job tasks or functions to be analyzed
- Summarizing steps for completing each of the job tasks identified
- Reviewing the steps with all employees & supervisors
- Conducting observations of the tasks performed
- Identifying and documenting hazards and potential hazards with each step
- Determining safe procedures
- Including the required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) assessments
Beginning may seem daunting, but it is worth it! Involve stakeholders at your facility and establish a committee, even if partnering with external consultants. The more who are involved and on board, the better the outcomes! Also, completing JSAs can be prioritized based on past incidents, reports of concern, or known hazards or concerns when performing certain jobs. The key is to just begin the process!
During the observation phase you want to utilize a holistic assessment of the hazards such as,
- Physical
- Chemical
- Biological
- Ergonomic
- Psychosocial
Educate employees and managers regarding all these hazard categories. You can also have them identify which ones are the most concerning to them in the JSA being performed. In addition, it is important to consider the types of injuries and categories that cause injuries, such as struck by, falls, overexertion, exposures, etc.
Expertise is also needed to determine the best methods to prevent and/or eliminate the hazards. This may include researching options as well as researching the best personal protective equipment to use. Using the Hierarchy of Controls as a guide is essential. Elimination and substitution, and engineering controls should be considered first, before administrative and PPE options.
There are several ways to implement and use completed JSAs. JSAs are an excellent educational tool to prevent injuries and can be used for,
- New employee orientation
- Following an incident or near miss
- Periodic reminders
- As a planned element of any workplace changes
- Review when considering return to work
Not only must JSAs be reviewed and updated regularly, but it is essential to ensure that whatever methods of prevention are decided are effective. This requires immediate observations and check- ins with employees as well as periodic assessments to make sure the safety measures are still effective.
Do not under-estimate to value of a JSA initiative! JSAs should be a cornerstone of your safety program. Please let us know your successes with your JSA initiative. Please also feel free to contact us with any questions or to brainstorm the best approach for your organization.