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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a job safety analysis (JSA)?
A job safety analysis (JSA) is a safety management technique that focuses on and is used to identify and control the hazards associated with a job or task. JSAs ascertain the hazards existing between the worker and his/her work environment (tools, tasks, place, etc.). The purpose of a JSA is to lower the risk of each step of a job to minimal level to protect worker safety. In conducting and following through with a JSA, companies are able to minimize and/or avoid the costs of injury, lost time, and workers´ compensation claims.
The analysis starts with a summary of the whole job process, which is then broken down into smaller steps. The hazards involved in each step are identified and then the control measures used to eliminate, reduce or mitigate each hazard are identified and described. This means every aspect of the whole process is analyzed and safe methods of work determined.
What is a job hazard analysis (JHA)?
The term JHA can be used interchangeably with JSA. A job hazard analysis (JHA) is the term used by OSHA for "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. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level."
What is an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA)?
The term AHA can be used interchangeably with JSA. An activity hazards analysis (AHA) is a term used by the US Army Corps of Engineers as a "documented process by which the steps (procedures) required to accomplish a work activity are outlined, the actual or potential hazards of each step are identified, and measures for the elimination or control of those hazards are developed." (USACE EM 385-1-1)
What is the difference between a JSA, a JHA, and an AHA?
Nothing! It´s just a terminology difference, but the end result is the same.
Can I use JSABuilder for my JHAs or AHAs?
Yes! JSABuilder produces a comprehensive job safety or job hazard analysis, no matter which term your company has chosen to use. In fact, JSABuilder allows you to rename your final document.
Who should conduct a job safety analysis?
Generally, employers, foremen, supervisors, and health and safety professionals conduct job safety analyses. However, employees are also encouraged to use JSABuilder to analyze their own jobs to recognize and correct workplace hazards before they result in an injury.
Why is job safety analysis important?
Many workers are injured and killed at the workplace every day in the United States. Protecting safety and health is critical to your business, your job, and even your life. By systematically looking at your workplace operations, establishing proper job procedures, and ensuring that all employees are trained properly, you can help prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Supervisors can use the findings of a job safety analysis to eliminate and prevent hazards in their work areas. This is likely to result in fewer worker injuries and illnesses; safer, more effective work methods; reduced workers´ compensation costs; and increased worker productivity. The analysis also can be a valuable tool for training new employees in the steps required to perform their jobs safely.
What jobs need a job safety analysis?
Any job can have one, but priority should go to the following types of jobs:
- Jobs with the highest injury or illness rates;
- Jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness, even if there is no history of previous accidents;
- Jobs in which one simple human error could lead to a severe accident or injury;
- Jobs that are new to your operation or have undergone changes in processes and procedures; and
- Jobs complex enough to require written instructions.