Job hazard analysis (JHA) / Job safety analysis (JSA)

Scope

OSHA does not require a job safety analysis (JSA) or job hazard analysis (JHA) in the traditional sense of the terms. However, OSHA does view them as a best practice, and they can be a part of the overall worksite analysis.

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• Hazard assessment: Any process used to identify hazards. It is often associated with the required personal protective equipment assessment, but can be broader than that.
• Job: For purposes of a JHA or JSA, a “job” is a task, such as chocking a trailer or changing a light bulb, rather than a title such as “warehouse worker” or “forklift operator.” Most companies will have hundreds of “jobs” for which a JHA could be done.
• Job hazard analysis (JHA): 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 you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.
• Job safety analysis (JSA): Another term for JHA (see definition above).
• Probability: The likelihood that an injury or incident will occur, e.g., frequent, occasional, seldom, or never.
• Severity: The outcome mostly likely to occur should there be an incident, e.g., fatality, lost time, or first-aid treatment.

Summary of requirements

While there is no requirement, a JHA/JSA process usually involves the following:

• Create a list of “jobs” that are performed by workers.
• Prioritize the jobs for the JHA process.
• Involve employees in the JHA process.
• Break down each job into its most basic steps. Usually, a new step occurs when there is a change in motion, position, or a new tool is used.
• Identify the hazards associated with each step.
• Select controls for each hazard identified, using the hazard control hierarchy (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, and PPE).
• Train workers on new/revised JHAs.
• Post the JHA near the work area/machine it pertains to.
• Review JHAs periodically or when processes change or deviations are found.