Job Hazards Analysis

Job Hazard Analysis is a key component in any occupational safety and health program. A successful occupational health program will control, mitigate and/or eliminate recognized workplace hazards to attain an acceptable level of risk and promote the wellness of workers. Optimum occupational safety and health results from a continuous proactive process of anticipating, identifying, designing, implementing, and evaluating risk-reduction practices.

Job Hazard Analysis is a method for studying and identifying hazards associated with work processes. An effective job hazard analysis will:

  • Identify hazards and potential injuries associated with each step of the work processes
  • Develop solutions that will eliminate, minimize, and prevent hazards

If your department would like to request a Job Hazard Analysis for a specific employee, work process or task please contact EHS.

A Job Hazard Analysis (JHA) is a formal process by which a representative from Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) or the worker conducting the task identifies task-specific hazards, assesses associated risks, documents results, establishes control measures to mitigate the risks associated with the task and/or eliminates the hazards altogether. These can be a helpful tool in the development of a Standard Operation Procedure or training initiatives.

Job Description:

  • Observe the methods and procedures required to perform the tasks, and how often the tasks are preformed
  • Break each task down into individual steps and processes
  • Identify all potential hazards
  • Observe controls, work environment and limitations
  • Establish ways to mitigate, prevent of eliminate the hazards present

Potential Hazards

Items below are not limited to the following- for instance your operations may end up affecting your work atmosphere as a result of your work. It is important to consider all points of potential hazard and all steps involved when completing the form.

  • Work Atmosphere: Moving objects, falling objects, slippery floors, raises and changes in floors, tripping hazards, unguarded holes or pits, cold or heat, lighting, indoors/outdoors, oxygen deficient, construction operations, heavy equipment, sharp edges, congested areas, obstructions/protrusions, unguarded elevated work area, platforms/scaffolding/elevated lifts, pedestrian/vehicle traffic, noise, dust/particulate/mold
  • Work Operations: Hand/Power tools, machine equipment, pushing/pulling/lifting, repetitive or awkward motion, stationary/awkward position, forceful exertion, chemical, radiation, biological use (blood borne pathogens) animal handling, cryogenics
  • Hazards During Operations: noise, electrical, chemical reaction (thermal, off gas) biological splatter, aerosolization, temperature extremes, sharp edges, pinch points, hot surfaces or open flame, stored or potential energy

Recommended Action or Procedures:

Be sure to list these in your recommended actions:

  • Engineering Controls: Job safety controls implemented through the installation of mechanical controls and safe guards. These may include isolation devices, lock out/tag out devices and/or the complete removal of the hazard.
  • Administrative Controls: Job safety controls implemented through the development of safe work practices and procedures. These include, but are not limited to, standard operating procedures, safety programs and plans, trainings available
  • Personal Protective Equipment: is the last line of defense in hazard protection.
    • Examples: Dust masks eye and face protection, foot and leg protection, hand/arm/body protection: gloves specific for the tasks