Identifying and Controlling Hazards
Course 101
Safety Certified Supervisor Series

MODULE FOUR: ANALYZING THE WORKPLACE

Job Hazard Analysis

This is the most basic and widely used tool for routine hazard analysis. It is sometimes called job safety analysis. The Job Hazard Analysis can take many formats, and be used in many ways. The following is just one system, and used mostly for a fixed job location or work station.

The supervisor conducting the analysis (usually the supervisor) can follow these basic steps:

1. Meet with the employee before the JHA begins. Ask the employee to help you conduct the JHA by performing the job in the usual manner. It's important that the employee feel comfortable doing work while being monitored.
2. Begin by asking the employee to join you in breaking down a job into a series of unique steps in column one of the JHA form. This is best done by describing each step in order of occurrence as you watch an employee performing the job. Make sure you watch at least five to six cycles of the procedure to get an accurate list of steps. It's a good idea to use a videotape recorder so that you and the employee can review the procedure while conducting the rest of the JHA.
3. Next, examine each step to determine the hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices that exist or that might occur. Reviewing the job steps and hazards with the employee performing the job will help insure an accurate and complete list. Manufacturer's equipment operating instructions or Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) should also be considered. Remember to think about root causes for each hazard identified so that permanent corrective actions can be made. Make sure you list hazards for all steps in column two of the form before moving on to the next phase of the JHA.
4. Now determine whether the hazardous conditions can be eliminated or the job could be performed differently to reduce exposure to the hazards. Would it help to combine steps or change the sequence? Are safety equipment and other precautions needed? If a safer way of performing the job is possible, list each new step, being as specific as possible about the new procedure. If no safer way to perform the job is feasible, determine whether any physical changes will eliminate or reduce the danger. These might include redesigning equipment, changing tools, adding machine guards, using personal protective equipment, or improving ventilation. Establishing a personal hygiene routine may be appropriate where toxic dust is a hazard. Write a brief safe procedure in column three of the JHA form for each step in the job.
5. Finally, at the bottom of the form write a new draft standard job procedure that includes each of the safe practices listed in column three. Write the procedure in a step-by-step format in easy-to-read language (preferably about 8th grade level). Assume you are actually demonstrating the procedure to one person. Write the procedure in present tense, first person, active verbs.
   For instance, instead of writing, "Ensure leather gloves are worn as the frammel is slowly turned 90 degrees in a counter-clockwise direction using a 3/8" crescent wrench." write, "Use a 3/8" crescent wrench to slowly turn the frammel counter-clockwise 90 degrees. Wear leather gloves to protect your hands as you perform this step."
6. After completing the draft standard job procedure, review them with all employees performing the job. Obtaining their ideas about the hazards and proposed changes is an important part of this process. It will help ensure that your proposed changes are sensible and are accepted by the workers you are trying to protect.

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