Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a structured process that helps identify and control potential hazards associated with specific job tasks. It is a key tool for improving safety and integrating health practices into daily operations on construction sites and beyond.

A JHA aims to:

• Identify hazards that could cause injury, illness, or property damage.
• Develop safe work procedures to eliminate or mitigate these risks.
• Train employees on how to perform tasks safely and effectively.
• Promote a culture of safety and compliance with regulations like OSHA.

Taken from the Comprehensive JHA Guide.

To conduct a JHA, general contractors should ensure subcontractors follow a systematic process. JHA expectations should be included in pre-work safety orientations and even in contractual agreements. OSHA’s JHA template is a good place to start in setting up a standard procedure. Here are the steps involved in completing JHAs:

1. Choose the job or task to be analyzed:

• Consider selecting jobs or tasks that have a high risk of injury or illness, or those with a history of accidents or incidents. JHAs are also helpful before a new scope of work begins or a new piece of major equipment arrives onsite.

• Take into account the level of complexity and the number of steps involved in the job or task.

2. Break the job or task down into steps:

• Break down the job or task into individual steps or tasks to ensure that all hazards are identified.

• Record each step or task on the JHA form or template.

3. Identify potential hazards:

• Identify potential hazards associated with each step or task by considering past accidents, incidents, or near misses.

• Consider potential hazards related to the equipment, tools, materials, and environment. Use not only the experience of your team to determine hazards but also read product information and safety data sheets (SDS).

4. Determine the severity and likelihood of each hazard:

• Evaluate the severity and likelihood of each hazard to determine the overall risk level.

• Use a risk matrix or other risk assessment tool to help prioritize hazards based on severity and likelihood.

5. Identify controls for each hazard:

• Identify controls for each hazard that will eliminate or reduce the risk level to an acceptable level.

• Consider using the hierarchy of controls, which prioritizes elimination or substitution, followed by engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment controls.

6. Submit for approval before starting work:

• A representative from the general contractor reviews the JHA and provides comments or accepts the subcontractor’s proposals to ensure it is site-specific and supports your safety standards.

7. Implement controls:

• Use the JHA as the source of truth for work method and implement the identified controls for each hazard, making sure they are effective and feasible.

• Ensure that workers are trained on the proper use of controls and that the controls are maintained and inspected regularly.

8. Review and update the JHA:

• Regularly review and update the JHA to ensure that it remains current and effective.

• Consider reviewing the JHA whenever there are changes to the job or task, equipment, or work environment, or when incidents or accidents occur, and make sure that workers are aware of the changes.

A JHA should be conducted for any task or activity with potential safety risks, especially:

• Jobs with high incident or injury rates.

• Tasks involving new equipment, processes, or procedures.

• Activities where simple errors could lead to severe injuries.

• Situations where past incidents have revealed unaddressed hazards.

• Jobs complex enough to require written instructions.

Using a JHA offers significant advantages:

• Reduces worker injuries and illnesses.

• Promotes safer and more efficient work practices.

• Helps maintain OSHA compliance and avoid penalties.

• Lowers workers’ compensation claims and related costs.

• Boosts employee morale and productivity.