A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a procedure that helps integrate safety and health principles into a task or job operation. It involves breaking down each basic step of the job to identify potential hazards and recommend the safest way to perform the job. Other terms for this procedure include job hazard analysis (JHA) and job hazard breakdown. [1] [3]
The basic steps in conducting a JSA are:
- Select the job to be analyzed
- Break the job down into a sequence of steps
- Identify potential hazards
- Determine preventive measures to control these hazards
- Communicate the results
[4] Ideally, all jobs should be subjected to a JSA. However, due to time and effort constraints, prioritize jobs based on: [4]
- Incident frequency and severity
- Potential for severe injuries or illnesses
- Newly established jobs
- Modified jobs
- Infrequently performed jobs
[4] To analyze a job, break it down into steps, which are segments of the operation necessary to advance the work. [4]
After completing the analysis, communicate the results to all workers who perform or will be performing the job. While JSA worksheets break down the job into steps, a narrative-style communication format may yield better results for instructional purposes. [2]
Important Safety Note:
Always verify safety information with your organization's specific guidelines and local regulations.