Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) Forms, Templates & Examples
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A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a systematic process for identifying workplace hazards before they cause injuries. Defined in OSHA Publication 3071, the JHA method breaks a job into individual steps, identifies the hazards at each step, and determines controls to eliminate or reduce each hazard. The technique is one of OSHA's most recommended approaches to proactive safety management.
The terms "Job Hazard Analysis" and "Job Safety Analysis" (JSA) refer to the same process. OSHA uses "JHA" in its official guidance, while many industries, particularly construction and oil & gas, use "JSA." Regardless of the name, the goal is identical: document the hazards of a task and the controls that make it safe to perform.
Below you'll find JHA forms and templates for 25 common workplace tasks. Each template includes step-by-step job breakdowns, identified hazards, recommended controls, OSHA standard references, PPE requirements, and FAQs. Use them as starting points for your own job hazard analyses, or build your JHA digitally with JSABuilder.
Disclaimer
This content is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a site-specific Job Safety Analysis conducted by a qualified safety professional familiar with your workplace conditions, equipment, and personnel. OSHA citations, BLS statistics, and hazard controls referenced here may not reflect the most current standards or apply to your specific situation. Always consult current OSHA regulations, manufacturer guidelines, and a competent person before beginning work. Health & Safety Systems LLC assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
How JHA, JSA & AHA Relate
A JHA and JSA are the same document under different names. An AHA builds on that foundation with additional requirements mandated by EM 385-1-1:
JHA vs. JSA vs. AHA: Understanding the Differences
Three common hazard analysis documents serve different contexts and regulatory frameworks. Here's how they compare:
| JHA | JSA | AHA | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Job Hazard Analysis | Job Safety Analysis | Activity Hazard Analysis |
| OSHA Reference | OSHA Publication 3071 | Same document, different name | EM 385-1-1 (USACE) |
| Common Industries | Manufacturing, general industry | Construction, oil & gas | USACE/DoD construction |
| Format | Steps, hazards, controls | Steps, hazards, controls | Steps, hazards, controls + RAC matrix |
| Risk Rating | Optional, varies by organization | Optional, varies by organization | Required: RAC matrix (severity x probability) |
| Competent Person | Not formally required | Not formally required | Required per EM 385-1-1 |
| Equipment/Training Log | Optional | Optional | Required per EM 385-1-1 |
| Regulatory Mandate | Recommended, not mandated | Recommended, not mandated | Mandated on USACE/DoD contracts |
The bottom line: if you're performing general industry or non-federal construction work, a JHA or JSA meets your needs. If you're on a USACE or DoD construction contract, you need an Activity Hazard Analysis (AHA). JSABuilder supports all three formats.
JHA Templates by Task
Select a task below to view a complete job hazard analysis with step-by-step breakdowns, hazards, controls, and OSHA references.
Chemical
Cleaning Operations
Confined Space
Demolition
Earthwork
Electrical
Energy Control
Ergonomics
Fall Protection
Hot Work
Interior Finishing
Material Handling
Mechanical
Permit-Required
Structural
Surface Preparation
Tool Operations
Vegetation Management
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Start Free TrialHow to Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis
OSHA Publication 3071 outlines a straightforward process for conducting a JHA. Here's the practical breakdown:
1. Select the job
Not every task needs a JHA immediately. OSHA recommends prioritizing jobs based on: injury and illness history, severity potential (could cause permanent disability or death), frequency of incidents or near-misses, and whether the job is new or recently modified. Start with your highest-risk work and build your JHA library from there.
2. Involve the workers
The people who perform the job know its hazards better than anyone. OSHA emphasizes that worker involvement improves both the quality of the analysis and buy-in for the controls. Walk through the job with experienced workers and ask what could go wrong at each step.
3. Break the job into steps
List each step in the order it is performed. A typical job has 8-12 steps. Each step should describe a single action. Avoid combining multiple actions into one step, as this can cause hazards to be overlooked.
4. Identify hazards at each step
For each step, ask: What could go wrong? Consider energy sources (gravity, motion, electrical, chemical, thermal), environmental conditions (weather, lighting, noise, confined spaces), and human factors (fatigue, positioning, repetitive motion). Document every hazard, even those that seem obvious.
5. Determine controls
For each hazard, determine controls using the hierarchy of controls: elimination (remove the hazard), substitution (use a less hazardous alternative), engineering controls (guards, ventilation, barriers), administrative controls (procedures, training, signage), and PPE (last resort). Document at least one control for every hazard.
6. Review and update
A JHA is a living document. Review it with all affected workers before they perform the job. Update it after incidents, near-misses, job changes, or new equipment introductions. OSHA recommends periodic reviews even when nothing has changed, to ensure the analysis remains current.
OSHA 3071: Job Hazard Analysis
OSHA Publication 3071 is the federal government's primary guidance document on job hazard analysis. Originally published in 2002, it remains the authoritative reference for conducting JHAs in American workplaces.
The publication covers:
- Why JHAs matter: Connection between hazard identification and injury prevention, legal context under the General Duty Clause
- Job selection criteria: How to prioritize which jobs to analyze first based on risk factors
- Step-by-step methodology: Detailed instructions for breaking jobs into steps, identifying hazards, and determining controls
- Sample JHA form: A three-column template (Job Steps, Hazards, Controls) that serves as the industry standard format
- Completed examples: Real-world JHA examples showing how to apply the methodology
- Ongoing maintenance: When and how to update JHAs to keep them current and effective
While OSHA 3071 uses the term "Job Hazard Analysis," the methodology is identical to what many organizations call a "Job Safety Analysis." The publication's three-column format has become the de facto standard for hazard analysis forms across industries. JSABuilder's digital worksheet follows this format with additional fields for PPE, OSHA standard references, and electronic team sign-off.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)?
A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a technique for identifying hazards associated with each step of a job and determining the best way to control them. The term comes from OSHA Publication 3071, "Job Hazard Analysis," which provides federal guidance on the process. A JHA is functionally identical to a Job Safety Analysis (JSA). The terms are used interchangeably, though "JHA" is more common in OSHA guidance and general industry, while "JSA" is more prevalent in construction and oil & gas.
▶ What is the difference between a JHA, JSA, and AHA?
A JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) and JSA (Job Safety Analysis) are the same document with different names. Both break work into steps, identify hazards, and document controls. An AHA (Activity Hazard Analysis) is a more comprehensive version required on USACE and DoD construction contracts under EM 385-1-1. AHAs include everything in a JHA plus Risk Assessment Codes (RAC matrix), EM 385-1-1 section references, competent person designations, and equipment/training/inspection checklists.
▶ What is OSHA Publication 3071?
OSHA Publication 3071, titled "Job Hazard Analysis," is OSHA's primary guidance document on conducting job hazard analyses. Originally published in 2002, it covers how to select jobs for analysis, how to break jobs into steps, how to identify and control hazards, and how to maintain JHAs over time. It includes a sample JHA form and completed examples. The publication is available free from OSHA's website.
▶ Is a JHA required by OSHA?
OSHA does not have a specific standard requiring JHAs. However, OSHA strongly recommends them in Publication 3071 and other guidance materials. The General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) requires employers to identify and control recognized hazards, and a JHA is one of the most effective methods for doing so. Some industry-specific OSHA standards implicitly require the type of hazard assessment that a JHA provides.
▶ What should a JHA form include?
A JHA form should include at minimum three columns: Job Steps (sequential actions), Hazards (potential dangers at each step), and Controls (measures to eliminate or reduce each hazard). Additional useful fields include: job title and location, date and author, required PPE, relevant OSHA standards, worker signatures acknowledging review, and a revision history. OSHA 3071 provides a sample form, but any format that captures these elements is acceptable.
▶ How do you conduct a JHA?
To conduct a JHA: (1) Select a job to analyze, prioritizing high-risk tasks. (2) Observe the job being performed and break it into 8-12 sequential steps. (3) Identify all hazards at each step by considering energy sources, environmental conditions, and worker actions. (4) Determine controls using the hierarchy of controls (elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE). (5) Document the analysis and review it with workers who perform the job. (6) Update the JHA whenever conditions change.
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