A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a structured process to identify potential hazards in a workplace and implement measures to control or eliminate them, ensuring a safe working environment. It involves analyzing a 'task' composed of a series of steps to improve job and safety programs. [8] [8]

Here's how to develop a JHA for auger drilling operations using a skid steer loader:

Step 1: Prepare to Conduct the JHA

Begin by discussing with employees the jobs and related hazards they know exist in their current work and surroundings. Ask them for ideas to eliminate or control those hazards. Review the history of accidents and illnesses that needed treatment, losses that required repair or replacement, and any 'near misses'. [5] [5]

Step 2: Observe the Job and List the Steps

Observe the job and develop a list of steps. Each step in a task actually describes an event. Record enough information to describe each job action without getting overly detailed. Do not combine steps and get input from other workers who have performed the same job. [4] [4] [4] [4]

Step 3: Describe the Hazards in Each Step

Analyze each step to identify potential as well as actual hazards produced by both work environment and the activity being performed. Consider if there is a danger of striking against, being struck by, or otherwise making harmful contact with an object. Also consider if the worker can be caught in, by, or between objects, and if there is potential for a slip or trip. [2] [2] [2] [2]

Step 4: Develop Preventive Measures

Consider what control methods will eliminate or reduce hazards. The most effective measures are engineering controls that physically change a machine or work environment. If this is not feasible, management controls may be appropriate. Interim measures such as cones, guards and tape can temporarily protect employees from hazards until permanent control strategies can be used. [3] [3] [3]

Step 5: Write the Safe Job Procedure (SJP)

Write in a step-by-step format. If a hazard does exist in a step, state the action, identify the hazard, the possible injury it could cause, and safety measures to prevent the injury. Write as clearly as possible using simple words and keep sentences short. [1] [1] [1] [1]

Here is an example of JHA for Auger Drilling Operations with a Skid Steer Loader:

Task: Auger Drilling Operations with Skid Steer Loader

Steps, Hazards, and Preventive Measures:

• Step 1: Pre-operational Check Hazard: Equipment malfunction due to inadequate inspection. Preventive Measure: Inspect all equipment components, check fluid levels, and ensure all safety devices are functioning properly.
• Step 2: Mounting and Dismounting Skid Steer Hazard: Slips, trips, and falls. Preventive Measure: Maintain three-point contact, use handholds and steps, and keep the area clean.
• Step 3: Operating Skid Steer Hazard: Loss of control, collisions, and rollovers. Preventive Measure: Operate on stable surfaces, avoid slopes, and maintain a safe speed. Keep bystanders away from the work area.
• Step 4: Auger Drilling Hazard: Contact with rotating auger, flying debris, and underground utilities. Preventive Measure: Ensure proper guarding is in place, wear appropriate PPE (eye and face protection), and identify and mark underground utilities before drilling.
• Step 5: Post-operational Check Hazard: Failure to identify and report equipment defects. Preventive Measure: Conduct a thorough inspection of the equipment, report any defects, and perform necessary maintenance.

Safe Operating Procedures:

• Read and understand all safety and operating procedures outlined in the operator's manual, workshop manual, and safety decals.
• Operate the loader only when properly positioned in the operator's compartment, never from the outside.
• Stay seated when operating the loader controls.
• Operate with the seat belt snuggly fastened and the restraint bar properly positioned if one is provided.
• Keep hands, arms, legs, and head inside the operator's compartment while operating the loader.
• Load, unload, and turn on level ground when possible.
• Travel and turn with the bucket in the lowest position possible. Carry the load low.
• Operate on stable surfaces only. Avoid slippery surfaces.
• Do not travel across slopes. Travel straight up or down with the machine's heavy end pointed uphill.
• Keep bystanders away from the work area.
• NEVER modify or bypass safety devices.
• NEVER carry riders.

[7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] [7] Remember to periodically review your job hazard analysis to ensure that it remains current and continues to help reduce workplace accidents and injuries. [6]