Job Safety Analysis (JSA)

What is a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?

A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur.

It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. It is an analysis of hazards and risk potential when a job or task is to be undertaken.

A Job Safety Analysis is also known as a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).

Where environmental risks are also considered it may be referred to as a Job Safety & Environmental Analysis (JSEA).

The terms "job" and "task" are commonly used interchangeably to mean a specific work assignment or activity, such as "operating a grinder," "using a ride on lawn mower" or "changing a flat tire." JSAs are not suitable for jobs defined too broadly, for example, "overhauling an excavator"; or too narrowly, for example, "positioning car jack."

The framework or process for the development of a JSA include the following:

• Determine the job or task to be analysed
• Break the job down into an orderly sequence of steps
• Determine the potential hazards at each step
• Determine recommended controls for each hazard applying the hierarchy of risk control. In determining controls consideration should be given to both short and long term controls.

Controls may include:

• Minimum requirements as detailed in legislation, if applicable.
• Controls which involve changes to the work environment, tools or the work process
• Controls which can be implemented immediately
• Controls which are to be included in an action plan for further action in the future
• Controls which would be included in a Standard Work Procedure

Other information which may be included in a JSA includes

• Risk Rating - In some instance’s organisations include a risk rating for each hazard, both for the raw risk (before implementation of a control) and residual risk (after implementation of a control)
• Responsible Person – another item that is often added to a JSA form or worksheet is the Responsible Person. The Responsible Person is for the name of the individual who will implement the particular control.

Learn More: 

• What is a hazard?
• What is a risk management?