When and How to Use Job Safety Analysis

What is a Job Safety Analysis?

A job safety analysis (JSA) is the procedure which helps the integrate accepted safety and health principles and the practices of the particular task or the job operation. In a JSA, each basic step of the job is to recognize the potential hazards and to recommend the safest way to do the job. Other terms used to explain this procedure are the job hazard analysis (JHA) and the job hazard breakdown.

Some individuals prefer to expand the analysis into all aspects of the job, not just safety. This approach is known as the total job analysis. The methodology is based on the idea that the safety is an integral part of every job and not the separate entity. In this document, only health and safety aspects will be considered.

The terms “job” and “task” are commonly used interchangeably to mean the specific work assignment, such as the “operating a grinder,” “using the pressurized water extinguisher,” or “changing a flat tire.” JSAs are not suitable for the jobs defined too broadly, for example, “overhauling an engine”; or too narrowly, for example, “positioning car jack.”

A completed JSA serves as an excellent tool for: 

• compliance with health and safety legislation; 

• employee training; 

• workplace inspection; 

• safety observation; 

• accident investigation. 

Follow-up and Review of a Job Safety Analysis 

It is essential to establish a follow-up and review process for monitoring the effectiveness of the preventive measures implemented following JSA. This is done to: 

• ensure new hazards have not been created; 

• seek feedback from employees performing the job; 

• ensure employees are following the procedures and practices required by the JSA; 

• assess the need for a repeat JSA; and 

• implement continuous improvement. 

Periodic review (e.g., annually) is used to ensure components of the JSA remain current and functional, and that employees are following the procedures and practices as recommended by the JSA. 

A need for a repeat JSA may arise when: 

• a new job is created; 

• an existing job is changed, or

• equipment or the process is changed. 

The economic benefits of JSA include: 

• reduced direct/indirect costs of accidents; 

• improved quality and productivity; and 

• increased employee morale and pride. 

The time and effort involved in JSA is an investment to control injury, property damage, and loss of production. 

JSA Example. Working at heights on communication towers. 

(Using the energy-barrier approach) 

JOB SAFETY ANALYSIS WORKSHEET 

JOB: Working at heights on communication towers. 

Analyzed by: Uche Supervisor and Tope Worker Date: 5 May 2021 

Reviewed by: Aisha Expert Date: 1 June 2021

Approved by: Co-Chairs Health and Safety Committee Date: 5 June 2021 

Sequence of Tasks Potential Hazards 

(Energy type & contact) Preventative Measures 

(Barriers) 

Assess and prepare work site.

Hazards: 

1. a) Burns and electric shocks from the induced electrical charge in equipment and materials byelectromagneticfield (EMF) from the antenna. 

2. b) Fire hazard from sparks caused by EMF.

3. c) Falling objects from a damaged tower.

4. d) Extreme weather and wind conditions.

Measures: 

1. a) De-energiesthe tower unless tests have been made which show that no significant electric charge is induced in the equipment and materials. Use grounded equipment materials while workingnear energized  

2. b) Do not bring flammable and combustible materials near towers. c) Locate people and materials away from areas of falling objects.

3. d) Snow, strong winds and rain add additional hazards. Postpone non-emergency work during such weather.

Climb up the tower.

Hazards: 

1. a) Potentially fatal falls from great heights.

2. b) Exposure to cold/rain.

3. c) Being hit by the repair equipment and material hoisted by the crane.

Measures: 

1. a) Use adequate fall protection and work positioning system, i.e., harness, belt, safety strap.

2. b) Wear adequate clothing to protect from cold and rain.

3. c) Stay away from materials being hoisted.

Develop procedures for bad weather conditions. 

Climb down the tower.

Hazards: 

1. a) Being hit by falling objects left on the tower by mistake.

Measures: 

1. a) Ensure that all tools, equipment and materials are secured before coming down the tower.