A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a structured process to identify potential hazards in the workplace and implement measures to eliminate or reduce those risks. It is a crucial tool for ensuring a safe and healthful work environment. [8]

To conduct a JHA, you should:

• Prepare by conducting an initial job review and discussing potential hazards with employees.
• Review accident history to identify areas needing more scrutiny.
• Involve employees in every step of the JHA process to gather insights and foster commitment.
• Break down the job into a sequence of steps.
• Identify potential hazards associated with each step, considering factors like striking against objects, slip/trip hazards, ergonomic stressors, and exposure to harmful substances.
• Develop preventive measures to eliminate or reduce hazards, such as engineering controls, management controls, PPE, or interim measures.
• Write a Safe Job Procedure (SJP) detailing each step, hazards, potential injuries, and safety measures.
• Periodically review and revise the JHA, especially after accidents or changes in job procedures, and train employees on any updates.

[4] [4] [4] [2] [5] [5] [7] [7] Common hazards in standard office environments include:

• Slips, trips, and falls due to wet floors, clutter, or uneven surfaces.
• Ergonomic hazards from improper lifting, awkward postures, or repetitive motions.
• Struck-by or struck-against injuries from falling objects or collisions with objects.
• Overexertion from pushing, pulling, lifting, lowering, bending, or twisting.
• Exposure to noise, poor air quality, or temperature extremes.
• Contact with harmful substances such as cleaning chemicals.
• Biohazards from plants, animals, or their products that may be infectious, toxic, or allergenic.

[1] [1] [1] [3] Preventive measures for these hazards include:

• Maintaining clean and dry floors.
• Using proper lifting techniques and equipment.
• Adjusting workstations to promote good posture.
• Providing ergonomic training and tools.
• Ensuring adequate ventilation and temperature control.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Implementing safe work practices and procedures.

To prioritize jobs for JHA, consider the probability and severity of potential injuries or illnesses. Focus on tasks that are most likely to cause severe harm. Quantify risk assessment to justify investments in JHA. [9] [6]