Due to the current pandemic, many companies are facing a lull in business. This is a challenging time and undoubtedly leaving an impact on everyone involved. However, rather than focusing on this time as being lost, now is when companies should look to and evaluate all parts of their safety management systems. One very important component of this, which is often overlooked, is the need to complete a job hazard analysis on operations. This task is critical in eliminating and preventing hazards in the workplace which, in turn, can add value to your business, individual jobs, and protect the overall life of everyone affected.

What is a Job Hazard Analysis?

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), also referred to as a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), is a method that focuses on job tasks to identify hazards before they occur. It is an evaluation of the relationship between the worker, the task at hand, the tools involved, and the working environment. Consequently, uncontrolled hazards are identified allowing necessary action to be taken to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level. This is required to determine and establish proper work procedures and ensure that all employees are trained correctly. 

What jobs should undergo a JHA?

All operations should undergo a job hazard analysis, but emphasis must be spent on the following types:

• Those that have the highest injury or illness rates

• Jobs with the potential to cause severe injuries or illnesses

• New or recently changed operations

• Complex operations

Also, there should be annual reviews of each job hazard analysis to ensure they are up-to-date and are still effective. It is important to remember to review the affected job hazard analysis whenever an injury or illness occurs as well.

What are the benefits of performing a JHA?

The benefits of performing a job hazard analysis on operations include:

• Reduced worker injuries and illnesses

• Safer, more effective work assignments

• Decreased workers’ compensation costs

• Increased worker productivity

By completing a job hazard analysis for each operation, management is creating a safer work environment and at the same time demonstrating its commitment to health and safety. Subsequently, this type of follow-through will improve the overall safety culture by instilling ownership in the employees.  

KERAMIDA is a full-service Security, Environmental, Health and Safety consulting firm that has many years of experience pertaining to safety compliance. KERAMIDA can develop detailed job hazard analyses for your operations along with various health and safety programs as well as training. Fill out our rapid response form or call (800) 508-8034 to speak with one of our safety professionals today.

Blog Author

Andrew Tirmenstein
Senior Project Manager, Security, Health and Safety Services
KERAMIDA Inc.

Contact Andrew at atirmenstein@keramida.com.