Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Procedures and Risk Assessments

This document outlines the procedures for conducting a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) and performing risk assessments to ensure workplace safety and hazard control. A JSA is a systematic approach to identify potential hazards associated with each step of a job and to determine the necessary preventive measures to mitigate those hazards. Risk assessment is the process of evaluating the probability and severity of potential harm to determine the level of risk and to implement appropriate control measures.

What is a Job Safety Analysis?

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA), also known as a job hazard analysis (JHA) or job hazard breakdown, is a process that helps assess a job to identify hazards and necessary control measures. It involves breaking down each basic step of the job to identify potential hazards and recommend the safest way to perform the job. [1] [1]

The terms "job" and "task" are commonly used interchangeably to mean a specific work assignment. Job safety analyses are not suitable for jobs defined too broadly or too narrowly. [1] [1]

Benefits of Conducting a JSA

Performing a JSA can identify previously undetected hazards and increase the job knowledge of those participating. It raises safety and health awareness, improves communication between workers and supervisors, and promotes acceptance of safe work procedures. [9] [9]

A JSA can serve as a teaching aid for initial job training, a briefing guide for infrequent jobs, and a health and safety inspection standard. It also assists in completing comprehensive incident investigations. [9] [9] [9] [9]

Steps for Conducting a Job Safety Analysis

The basic steps in conducting a job safety analysis are: [6]

1. Select the job to be analyzed
2. Break the job down into a sequence of steps
3. Identify potential hazards
4. Determine preventive measures to control these hazards
5. Communicate the results

Step 1: Select the Job

Ideally, all jobs should be subjected to a JSA. However, due to time and effort constraints, prioritize the most critical jobs first. Consider the following factors when setting a priority for analysis: [6] [6] [6]

• Incident frequency and severity: Jobs where incidents occur frequently or result in serious injuries.
• Potential for severe injuries or illnesses: Jobs with potentially severe consequences from incidents or exposure to harmful products.
• Newly established jobs: Jobs where hazards may not be evident due to lack of experience.
• Modified jobs: Jobs where new hazards may be associated with changes in job procedures.
• Infrequently performed jobs: Jobs where workers may be at greater risk due to lack of routine.
• Those where frequent incidents and injuries occur.
• Those where severe incidents and injuries occur.
• Those with a potential for injuries.

Step 2: Break Down the Job into Basic Steps

A job step is a segment of the operation necessary to advance the work. Care must be taken not to make the steps too general, as missing specific steps may make it difficult to identify potential hazards. On the other hand, if the steps are too detailed, the JSA will be too long. A rule of thumb is that most jobs can be described in less than ten steps. If more steps are required, you might want to divide the job into two segments, each with its separate JSA, or combine steps where appropriate. [6] [13] [13] [13] [13]

Keep the steps in their correct sequence. Any step that is out of order may cause a team to miss potential hazards or introduce hazards which do not actually exist. Make notes about what is done rather than how it is done. Start each item with an action verb. [13] [13]

Step 3: Identify Potential Hazards

Identify actual and potential hazards at each step. Base this on observations of the job, knowledge of incident and injury causes, and personal experience. A second observation of the job being performed may be needed to focus more attention on each hazard. [14] [14] [14] [14]

To help identify potential hazards, consider the following questions: [14]

• Can any body part get caught in or between objects?
• Do tools, machines, or equipment present any hazards?
• Can the worker make harmful contact with moving objects?
• Can the worker slip, trip, or fall?
• Can the worker suffer strain from lifting, pushing, or pulling?
• Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold?
• Is excessive noise or vibration a problem?
• Is there a danger from falling objects?
• Is lighting a problem?
• Can weather conditions affect safety?
• Is harmful radiation a possibility?
• Can contact be made with hot, toxic, or caustic products?
• Are there dusts, fumes, mists, or vapours in the air?

Step 4: Determine Preventive Measures

Determine ways to eliminate the hazards or control the risks identified. Hazards should be controlled using the hierarchy of controls. [5] [5]

The hierarchy of controls, in order of preference, is:

1. Eliminate the hazard: Choose a different process, modify an existing process, substitute with a less hazardous product, improve the environment (e.g., ventilation), or modify or change equipment or tools.
2. Contain the hazard
3. Reduce the exposure

Step 5: Communicate the Results

Once the analysis is completed, the results must be communicated to all workers who are or will be performing that job. The side-by-side format used in JSA worksheets is not ideal for instructional purposes. Better results can be achieved by using a narrative-style communication format. [2] [2] [2]

Risk Assessment Procedures

Risk assessment is an integral part of an occupational health and safety management plan. It helps to: [4]

• Create awareness of hazards and risks.
• Identify who may be at risk (e.g., workers, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the public, etc.).
• Determine whether a control program is required for a particular hazard.
• Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be done.
• Prevent injuries or illnesses, especially when done at the design or planning stage.
• Prioritize hazards and control measures.
• Meet legal requirements where applicable.

The aim of the risk assessment process is to evaluate hazards and then remove that hazard or minimize the level of its risk by adding control measures, as necessary. By doing so, you have created a safer and healthier workplace. [4] [4]

Steps for Performing a Risk Assessment

In general, to do an assessment, you should: [7]

1. Assemble a risk assessment team: Include supervisors and workers who work with the process under review.
2. Select the job or process to assess: Prioritize jobs or tasks with higher injury and illness rates or worker concerns.
3. Break down the job or process into tasks: Divide the job into basic steps to better understand the hazards.
4. Identify the hazards of each task: List hazards based on observations, inspections, incident history, and feedback from workers.
5. Assess the risk of each hazard: Determine the likelihood of harm and its severity. Use a risk assessment method appropriate for your workplace.
6. Control the risk of each hazard: Using the hierarchy of controls, identify actions to eliminate or control the risk.
7. Evaluate the effectiveness of controls: Establish a review process for monitoring controls to ensure they remain effective.
8. Communicate the results: Ensure workers, supervisors, and other individuals involved are aware of the risk assessment results. Keep necessary documents or records.

When doing an assessment, also take into account: [7]

• The methods and procedures used in the processing, use, handling, or storage of the substance, etc.
• The actual and the potential exposure of workers (e.g., how many workers may be exposed, what that exposure is or will be, and how often they will be exposed).
• The measures and procedures necessary to control such exposure by means of engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices and facilities.
• The duration and frequency of the task (how long and how often a task is done).
• The location where the task is done.
• The machinery, tools, materials, etc., that are used in the operation and how they are used (e.g., the physical state of a chemical or lifting heavy loads for a distance).
• Any possible interactions with other activities in the area and if the task could affect others (e.g., cleaners, visitors, etc.).
• The lifecycle of the product, process, or service (e.g., design, construction, uses, decommissioning).
• The education and training the workers have received.
• How a person would react in a particular situation (e.g., what would be the most common reaction by a person if the machine failed or malfunctioned).

Hazard Identification

To ensure all hazards are found: [8]

• Look at all aspects of the work.
• Include routine and non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning.
• Look at the incidents, near-miss, and hazard reports.
• Include people who work off-site either at home, on other job sites, drivers, teleworkers, with clients, etc.
• Look at the way the work is organized or done (include the experience of people doing the work, systems being used, etc.).
• Look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example: possible impact on hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation, power outage, climate event, etc.).
• Determine whether a product, machine or equipment can be intentionally or unintentionally changed (e.g., a safety guard that could be removed).
• Review all of the phases of the process or lifecycle.
• Examine risks to visitors or the public.
• Consider the knowledge, experience, training, and education of the individuals performing the work.
• Consider the groups of people that may have a different level of risk such as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or expectant mothers.

Types of Hazards

A common way to classify hazards is by category: [12]

• Biological - bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects, plants, and animals.
• Chemical - depends on the physical, chemical, and toxic properties of the product
• Ergonomic - repetitive movements, improper setup of workstations, etc.
• Physical - radiation, magnetic fields, temperature extremes, pressure extremes (high pressure or vacuum), noise, vibration, etc.
• Psychosocial - stress, violence, harassment, etc.
• Safety - slipping or tripping hazards, inappropriate machine guarding, equipment malfunctions or breakdowns.

Determining Risk

Each hazard should be studied to determine its level of risk. Understanding how likely it is that a hazard will cause harm and how severe that harm could be. [11] [11]

To research the hazard, you can look at: [11]

• Product information and the manufacturer documentation.
• Past experience (knowledge from workers, etc.).
• Legislated requirements and applicable standards.
• Industry codes of practice and good practices.
• Health and safety material about the hazard, such as safety data sheets (SDSs), research studies, or other manufacturer information.
• Information from reputable organizations.
• Results of testing (atmospheric or air sampling of the workplace, biological swabs, etc.).
• The expertise of an occupational health and safety professional or other technical experts.
• Information about previous injuries, illnesses, near misses, incident reports, etc.
• Observation of the process or task.

Remember to include factors that contribute to the level of risk, such as: [11]

• The work environment (layout, condition, weather, etc.).
• The procedures for performing a task.
• The range of foreseeable conditions.
• The way the source may cause harm (e.g., inhalation, ingestion, etc.).
• How often and how much a person will be exposed.
• The interaction, capability, skill, and experience of workers who do the work.
• The physical, psychological, or cognitive abilities and characteristics of workers.
• Individual worker factors such as age, height, disabilities, allergies, sensitivities, and pregnant or breastfeeding workers.

Hazard Control Methods

Hazard control methods are often grouped into the following categories: [10]

• Elimination.
• Substitution.
• Engineering controls.
• Administrative controls.
• Personal protective equipment.

Field-Level Risk Assessment

The purpose of a field-level risk assessment is to identify, assess, and manage hazards and risks in real-time or on-site as work progresses, with a focus on ensuring the safety of workers. Field-level risk assessments are often completed in addition to formal risk assessments that have already been done before that specific day. [10] [10]

Similar to other risk assessments, each step of the task should be written down and hazards identified. The risk of each hazard can then be assessed based on the likelihood and severity of harm. Then, the team will determine if the current controls in place are adequate, or if further measures are needed prior to work beginning. [10] [10] [10]

Responsibilities

Compliance with health and safety rules should be considered a condition of employment. Rules must be explained to new workers when they start work or if they are transferred or retrained. After a suitable interval, these workers should be briefed to ensure they understand the rules applicable to their work. [3] [3] [3]

The employer must establish procedures for dealing with repeat rule violators. Supervisors are responsible for correcting unsafe acts, such as a breach of rules, and they must be supported in this duty. [3] [3]

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