Job Safety Analysis (JSA) Templates & Examples
Published:
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a systematic technique for identifying workplace hazards before they cause injuries. By breaking a job into individual steps, a JSA identifies the hazards at each step and documents the controls needed to keep workers safe. Also called a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), this method is recommended by OSHA as one of the most effective ways to prevent workplace incidents.
JSAs are used across every industry where physical work creates risk: construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, mining, utilities, warehousing, and more. A well-written JSA serves as both a planning tool before work begins and a training document for workers performing the task. When incidents occur, JSAs provide a documented baseline for investigation and corrective action.
Below you'll find ready-to-use JSA templates for 25 common workplace tasks, organized by category. Each template includes step-by-step breakdowns, identified hazards, recommended controls, OSHA references, required PPE, and frequently asked questions specific to that task.
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.
The JSA Process
A Job Safety Analysis follows six steps, from selecting the job through ongoing use and revision:
JSA Templates by Task
Select a task below to view a complete JSA template with 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
Build Your JSA in Minutes
Create professional Job Safety Analysis worksheets with built-in hazard identification, OSHA references, and team collaboration.
Start Free TrialHow to Write a Job Safety Analysis
Follow these six steps to create an effective JSA for any workplace task:
Step 1: Select the job
Prioritize jobs with high injury rates, the potential for severe injury, new or modified tasks, and jobs performed infrequently where workers may not have routine familiarity with the hazards.
Step 2: Break the job into steps
Observe the job being performed and list each step in sequence. Keep steps at a level of detail that captures meaningful transitions between activities. Typically 8-12 steps is appropriate. Too few steps may miss hazards; too many creates a document that is difficult to use in the field.
Step 3: Identify hazards
For each step, identify all potential hazards: struck-by, caught-in, falls, electrical contact, chemical exposure, ergonomic strain, temperature extremes, noise, and any other energy sources that could cause harm. Involve workers who perform the job, as they know the real-world hazards best.
Step 4: Determine controls
Apply the hierarchy of controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and PPE. Each hazard should have at least one control. Prefer controls higher on the hierarchy, as they are more reliable and less dependent on worker behavior.
Step 5: Document and review
Record the JSA in a standard format with three columns: Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls. Review the completed JSA with all workers who perform the job. Their input is essential for catching hazards that may not be obvious to an observer.
Step 6: Use and update
Use the JSA for pre-task briefings, new worker orientation, and incident investigation. Update it whenever job conditions change, after incidents or near-misses, when new equipment or materials are introduced, and at least annually during a scheduled review.
OSHA JSA Guidance
OSHA Publication 3071, titled "Job Hazard Analysis," is the primary federal guidance on conducting JSAs. Originally published in 2002 and periodically revised, it provides a step-by-step methodology, sample forms, and examples of completed job hazard analyses.
Key points from OSHA 3071:
- Priority selection: Focus JSA efforts on jobs with the highest injury or illness rates, jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries, jobs where a single human error could lead to a severe incident, and new or modified jobs.
- Worker involvement: OSHA emphasizes that workers who perform the job are the best source of hazard information. Their involvement in the JSA process increases the quality of the analysis and their commitment to following the controls.
- Three-column format: OSHA recommends a simple three-column layout: Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls. This format is straightforward and effective for field use.
- Regular review: JSAs should be reviewed after every incident, when jobs change, and on a periodic schedule. An outdated JSA can be worse than no JSA because it creates false confidence.
While OSHA does not mandate JSAs through a specific standard, the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act) requires employers to provide a workplace "free from recognized hazards." A JSA is one of the most effective tools for identifying and documenting recognized hazards and the controls in place to address them.
Related Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
▶ What is a Job Safety Analysis (JSA)?
A Job Safety Analysis (JSA) is a safety management technique that breaks a job into individual steps, identifies the hazards associated with each step, and determines the best way to control or eliminate those hazards. JSAs are also known as Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs). OSHA recommends JSAs as a proactive approach to preventing workplace injuries and illnesses.
▶ How do you write a JSA?
To write a JSA: (1) Select the job to analyze, prioritizing high-hazard tasks. (2) Break the job into sequential steps. (3) Identify the hazards associated with each step. (4) Determine preventive controls for each hazard using the hierarchy of controls. (5) Document everything in a JSA form. (6) Review with workers who perform the job and update as conditions change.
▶ What is the difference between a JSA and a JHA?
JSA (Job Safety Analysis) and JHA (Job Hazard Analysis) are the same document with different names. Both break work into steps, identify hazards, and document controls. "JSA" is more common in construction and oil & gas. "JHA" is the term used in OSHA Publication 3071 and is more common in manufacturing and general industry. The content and format are identical.
▶ Does OSHA require a JSA?
OSHA does not have a specific standard requiring JSAs. However, OSHA strongly recommends them in Publication 3071 ("Job Hazard Analysis") as a best practice for hazard identification. Many OSHA standards implicitly require hazard assessments that a JSA satisfies, and employers can be cited under the General Duty Clause (Section 5(a)(1)) for failing to identify and control recognized hazards.
▶ How often should a JSA be reviewed?
A JSA should be reviewed whenever a job changes, after an incident or near-miss occurs, when new equipment or materials are introduced, and at minimum annually. Many organizations review JSAs at the start of each shift during pre-task safety briefings. Any worker who performs the job should be able to suggest updates to the JSA.
▶ What is the OSHA JSA form?
OSHA does not mandate a specific JSA form. OSHA Publication 3071 provides a sample three-column format with Job Steps, Hazards, and Controls. Organizations can use any format that captures these three elements. JSABuilder provides a digital JSA form that follows the OSHA-recommended format with additional fields for PPE, OSHA references, and team sign-off.
Ready to Build Your JSA?
JSABuilder makes it easy to create, share, and manage Job Safety Analysis worksheets for your entire team.
Start Free Trial