Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and Safety Documentation

This document provides an overview of Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) and related safety documentation, focusing on risk assessment, hazard identification, and control measures to ensure workplace safety and regulatory compliance. It is based on established safety principles, standards, and methodologies.

Introduction to Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A job safety analysis (JSA), also known as a job hazard analysis (JHA), is a process to assess a job, identify hazards, and determine necessary control measures. Each basic step of the job is broken down to identify potential hazards and recommend the safest way to perform the job. [3]

The terms "job" and "task" are commonly used interchangeably to mean a specific work assignment, such as operating a grinder, using a pressurized water extinguisher, or changing a flat tire. Generally, a job or task can be further divided into many smaller steps. Job safety analyses are not suitable for jobs defined too broadly, for example, "overhauling an engine," or too narrowly, for example, "positioning car jack." [3]

Benefits of a Job Safety Analysis

A Job Safety Analysis helps to:

• Identify potential hazards in each step of a job.
• Develop safe processes for workers to use.

Key Components of Risk Assessment

Risk assessment is a systematic process used to identify hazards, analyze risk, and determine control measures. [2]

Steps in a Risk Assessment:

• Identify hazards and risk factors that have the potential to cause harm (hazard identification).
• Analyze and evaluate the risk associated with that hazard (risk analysis, and risk evaluation).
• Determine appropriate ways to eliminate the hazard, or control the risk when the hazard cannot be eliminated (risk control).

Hazard Identification

Hazard identification is the process of finding, listing, and characterizing hazards. A hazard is any source of potential damage or harm to someone or something. [2] [5]

Methods for Hazard Identification:

• Workplace inspections
• Job safety analysis
• Incident investigations
• Reviewing documents and records
• Hazard reporting by employees
• Hazard mapping

To ensure all hazards are found:

• Look at all aspects of the work, including non-routine activities.
• Look at the physical work environment, equipment, and materials used.
• Include all steps of a task or activity.
• Review injury and incident records.
• Talk to workers.
• Include all shifts and people who work off-site.
• Look at how the work is organized.
• Look at foreseeable unusual conditions.
• Determine if a product, machine, or equipment can be intentionally or unintentionally changed.
• Review all phases of the lifecycle of processes, products, and services.
• Examine risks to visitors or the public.
• Consider groups of people that may have a different level of risk.
• Consider the psychosocial aspects of the job.

Risk Analysis and Evaluation

Risk is the combination of the probability and severity that a person will be harmed or experience an adverse health effect if exposed to a hazard. Risk can also apply to situations with property or equipment damage, or harmful effects on the environment. [4]

Risk = Probability x Severity

Factors Influencing Risk:

• The nature of the exposure (how much a person is exposed to a hazardous thing or condition).
• How the person is exposed (e.g., breathing in a vapour, skin contact).
• The severity of the effect.

Hazard Control

Hazard control involves implementing measures and actions to reduce the risk of a hazard based on the risk assessment. This includes monitoring, re-evaluation, and compliance with decisions. [4]

Hierarchy of Controls:

• Elimination: Remove the hazard completely.
• Substitution: Replace the hazard with a safer alternative.
• Engineering controls: Implement physical changes to the workplace to isolate workers from the hazard.
• Administrative controls: Establish work practices, policies, and procedures to reduce exposure to the hazard.
• Personal protective equipment (PPE): Provide equipment to protect workers from the hazard.

Documentation and Review

It is very important to keep records of your assessment and any control actions taken. You may be required to store assessments for a specific number of years. Check for local requirements in your jurisdiction. [1]

Your records should show that you:

• Conducted a good hazard review.
• Determined the risks of those hazards.
• Implemented control measures suitable for the risk.
• Reviewed and monitored all hazards in the workplace.

Regular Review and Monitoring:

• Review your assessment on a regular basis to make sure your control methods are effective.
• Ensure that any changes in the workplace have not introduced new hazards or changed the priority of existing hazards.

When to Conduct a Risk Assessment

• Before new processes or activities are introduced.
• Before changes are introduced to existing processes or activities, including when products, machinery, tools, or equipment change.
• When new information concerning harm becomes available.
• When hazards are identified.
• Before working in a new environment.
• When new information on hazard controls or good practices becomes available.
• Before performing maintenance or commissioning of equipment
• Before completing routine or non-routine tasks.
• When the legislation requires a risk assessment to be done.

Planning for a Risk Assessment

In general, determine:

• What the scope of your risk assessment will be.
• The resources needed.
• What type of risk analysis measures will be used.
• Who are the stakeholders involved.
• What relevant laws, regulations, codes, or standards may apply in your jurisdiction, as well as organizational policies and procedures?

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