Job Hazard Analysis
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a preventative measure to review risks, identify hazards, and controls. This document will outline the basics of a JHA and how to complete one.
General Overview & Importance
What is a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a method for identifying hazards before starting a task. It breaks down a job into steps, examines each step for potential risks, and determines safe work practices or controls.
Why is performing a JHA important?
- Prevents Injuries: Spot hazards before they cause harm.
- Meets OSHA Expectations: OSHA recommends JHAs as part of a proactive safety program.
- Improves Efficiency: A planned job is a safer, smoother job.
- Empowers Workers: Encourages awareness and personal responsibility.
Why it matters: A JHA helps employees think through the task before work begins, making hazards easier to identify and control.
How to Perform a JHA
What are the 4 main steps to complete a JHA?
1. Select the Task
Choose jobs with higher risk, such as:
- Heavy lifting
- Ladder use
- Confined spaces
- Electrical work
- Chemical handling
2. Break Down the Task
List the job steps sequentially.
Example:
Retrieve ladder → Set ladder in place → Ascend to perform repair.
Retrieve ladder → Set ladder in place → Ascend to perform repair.
3. Identify Hazards
Ask:
- What could go wrong?
- What could the consequences be?
- What could cause the hazard?
Look for hazards such as:
- Struck-by hazards
- Caught-in hazards
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Electrical hazards
- Chemical hazards
- Ergonomic strain
4. Determine Controls
- Engineering Controls: Guardrails, ventilation, equipment design.
- Administrative Controls: Training, signage, job rotation.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Gloves, safety glasses, fall protection, hearing protection.
Good Practice: Select controls that reduce the hazard as much as possible before relying only on PPE.
Trades Personnel Tips & Safety Reminders
What quick safety tips should trades personnel keep in mind?
- Always ask yourself: “What’s the worst that could happen here?”
- Never skip a JHA on “routine” jobs — familiarity can cause blind spots.
- Share findings with your crew — safety is a team effort.
- Update JHAs when site conditions, equipment, or procedures change.
REMEMBER: A JHA takes minutes. An injury can last a lifetime.
Reference Materials
Where can I find additional OSHA resources on JHAs?
- OSHA 29 CFR 1910 – General Duty Clause
- OSHA Publication 3071 – Job Hazard Analysis Guide