Job Hazard Analysis

 

Purpose 

The purpose of our Job Hazard Analysis is to identify, control or eliminate potential or actual dangers in a job or task. 

Factors to be considered in assigning a priority for analysis of jobs include: 

• Accident frequency and severity: jobs where accidents occur frequently or where they occur infrequently but result in disabling injuries
• Potential for severe injuries or illnesses: the consequences of an accident, hazardous condition, or exposure to harmful substances are potentially severe
• Newly established jobs: due to lack of experience in these jobs, hazards may not be evident or anticipated
• Modified jobs: new hazards may be associated with changes in job procedures
• Infrequently performed jobs: workers may be at greater risk when undertaking non-routine jobs, and a Job Hazard Analysis provides means of reviewing hazards 

[Company name] management and supervision is responsible for ensuring all work is safely planned; the Job Hazard Analysis will assist in determining firstly, what are the steps in the job; secondly, what are the potential hazards in the job; and finally, what are the protective measures  for the safety of our worker(s) assigned to do the non-routine work. 

Procedure for Completing a Job Hazard Analysis 

Breakdown of Job Steps 

• Job or task identified for analysis by supervisor
• Supervisor overseeing the job breaks job into steps (with assistance from crew members, h & s rep etc)
• A job step is defined as a segment of the operation necessary to advance the work
• Keep the steps in the correct sequence
  
   

Identify Actual/Potential Hazards (refer to checklist) 

Once the basic steps have been recorded, potential hazards must be identified at each step. This is based on observation of the job, knowledge of accident and in jury causes, and personal experience. To identify potential hazards, the supervisor may use questions such as these (this is not a complete list): 

1.           Can any body part get caught in or between objects?

2.           Do tools, machines or equipment present any hazards?

3.           Can the worker make harmful contact with objects?

4.           Can the worker slip, trip or fall?

5.           Can the worker suffer strain from lifting, pushing or pulling?

6.           Is the worker exposed to extreme heat or cold?

7.           Is excessive noise or vibration a problem?

8.           Is there a danger from falling objects?

9.           Is lighting a problem?

10.      Can weather conditions affect safety?

11.      Is harmful radiation a possibility?

12.      Can contact be made with hot, toxic or caustic substances?

13.      Are there dusts, fumes, mists or vapours in the air? 

Preventative Measures/Controls 

The final stage in a Job Hazard Analysis is to determine ways to eliminate or control the hazards identified. 

Eliminate the Hazard 

This is the most effective measure, some examples are:

• Choose a different process
• Modify an existing process
• Substitute with less hazardous substance
• Improve environment (ventilation)
• Modify or change equipment or tools 

Contain the Hazard 

If the hazard cannot be eliminated, contact might be prevented by using enclosures, machine guards, worker booths or similar devices.

Revise Work Procedure 

Consideration might be given to modifying steps that are hazardous, changing the sequence of steps or adding additional steps (such as locking out energy sources)

Reduce the Exposure 

These measures are the least effective and should only be used if no other solutions are possible. One way to minimizing exposure is to reduce the number of times the hazard is encountered. 

Communication of Job Hazard Analysis to Workers 

When the Job Hazard Analysis is completed, the results must be communicated to all workers who are, or who will be, performing the job. The job hazard analysis must be discussed by the employees performing the job to ensure that all the basic steps have been noted, are in the correct order, have suitable controls and be documented and signed by the worker and supervisor. Supervisors will ensure that workers are following the appropriate control procedures.