Job Hazard Analysis

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.

• 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.

1. Select the Task: Choose jobs with higher risk (e.g., heavy lifting, ladder use, confined spaces, electrical work, chemical handling).
2. Break Down the Task: List the job steps sequentially.
   • Example steps: Retrieve ladder → Set ladder in place → Ascend to perform repair.
3. Identify Hazards: Ask what could go wrong, what the consequences are, and what can cause them.
   • Look for hazards such as struck-by, caught-in, slips/trips/falls, electrical, chemical, and 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.

• 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.

• OSHA 29 CFR 1910 – General Duty Clause
• OSHA Publication 3071 – Job Hazard Analysis Guide