Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

Injuries occur in the workplace every day. Often, they result from a combination of factors contributing to the incident from an unsafe workplace. Examples could include lack of training, inadequate policies and procedures, inadequate PPE, fatigue, poor communication, complacency, and more. Areas or job tasks that are deemed high risk should perform a job hazard analysis (JHA) to identify those high-risk hazards.

By completing a job hazard analysis (JHA), hazards are identified before they occur and control measures are spelled out so that injuries can be minimized and or avoided altogether. A JHA is similar to a risk assessment, but with a narrower focus on specific steps or components of a job task. Each step is examined separately.

Job Hazard Analysis vs. Risk Assessment

Completing a job hazard analysis provides an in-depth look at specific job-related risks pertaining to the processes being studied, whereas risk assessments are completed to analyze safety risks companywide. Consider a job hazard analysis as part of your greater safety and risk assessment optimization for your workplace, as you ensure compliance and safety at your job site.

Creating A Stronger Safety Culture

Once the JHA is completed, it is important to document the control measures and procedures. This allows for continued reminders of the identified hazard and how the employee should avoid it.

The JHA should be reviewed periodically and updated as needed. Maintaining records of the analysis is essential, as this documentation can be crucial for safety audits and compliance with workplace safety regulations.

HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS

The Hierarchy of Controls is a system used to prioritize and select measures for managing occupational hazards and risks. It’s a widely accepted occupational health and safety framework to help organizations choose the most effective methods for preventing or mitigating workplace hazards. The hierarchy consists of five levels, each offering a different approach to hazard control. These levels are presented in descending order of effectiveness and are as follows:

• Elimination
• Substitution
• Engineering Controls
• Administrative Controls
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

CREATING A STRONGER SAFETY CULTURE

Once completed, use your job hazard analysis to eliminate workplace hazards, including poor procedures, faulty tools, and equipment. Updated job procedures can then be written, and training requirements can be updated and improved to provide a safer workspace.

By putting this powerful safety-improving process to work for your company, we can work together to make big strides towards strengthening your safety culture.