Summary: The Job Safety Analysis is
one of the tools available for identifying safety hazards in the workplace, as
well as the safety control methods that can be used to minimize hazards. It can
take the form of a group discussion or direct observation.
The first step in the JSA is to
identify every step of a job sequence. The second step is to identify the
potential hazards in each step. The final step is to find controls methods that
could eliminate or minimize employee exposure to each hazard. Control measures
include design, safety interlock, warning devices, and procedural controls.
Safe
work practice can prevent injury. They form the foundation of a company’s
safety program which is developing based on the belief that all accidents are
preventable.
Job
Safety Analysis and Workplace Inspections are two methods used to identify
workplace hazards and the hazards control measures that will be put in place to
prevent accidents the hazards may cause.
Safety
can only be ensured when there is a clear understanding of a potential hazard
in the work environment, and appropriate safe work practices are put in place
to prevent accident. The hazard control measures will then become the safe work
practices for the job.
One
method used to identify hazards associated with a specific job is the Job
Safety Analysis (JSA).
The
JSA is an analytical tool that is used to:
Ø Record
each step of a job in sequence
Ø Identify
and explain the hazards encountered at each step
Ø Identify
hazard control method
There
are two basic methods for performing a JSA: group discussion and direct
observation.
During
group discussion, the supervisor and employees meet away from the work area or
location to discuss the JSA. This method is used to analyze jobs not often
performed or those that are difficult to observe, such as those performed in
confined spaces, the discussion group may include other experienced persons.
In
the other hand, on direct observation, the supervisor observes the employee
performing a task to identify hazards within each step. The advantage of this
method is that the supervisor does not have to recall how the task is actually
done.
The
first step in conducting the JSA is to identify each step of the task in
sequence of how the job is performed, describe what is done, not how it is
done. Avoid making the breakdown so general those important steps are left out.
The
second step is to identify how each step in a task is performed so that the
associated hazards can be identified. Identify every possible hazard, even if
it seems improbable.
One
of the most common errors is to only identify the most obvious hazards, some
hazard may be overlooked. Past accident history can also be reviewed to
identify possible hazards.
The
final step is to think of methods to eliminate or minimize employee exposure to
the hazards previously identified. It is important to list more than one
control method, and they should be listed in order of preference. The
supervisor or person in charge should choose the best control method considering
benefits, costs, and all hazard control method.
There
are a variety of ways hazards identified through a job safety analysis that can
be controlled.
Hazard
Control Method can be listed from the most effective to the least effective:
Ø Design
Ø Safety
interlocks
Ø Warning
devices
Ø Procedure
control
The
most effective hazards control method is to design the work environment to
eliminate hazards; this method is also commonly referred to as engineering
controls. An example is a filter ventilation system for cool dust removal.
If
the hazard cannot be eliminated by design controls, consider controlling the
hazard with a safety interlock, these devices operate automatically and do not
require an employee to do anything, an example is an electrical interlock system.
The
next chose for controlling hazard is the use of a warning device, it
automatically detects the condition and gives a warning signal, audio or visual
indicator are the most commonly used; however, unlike safety devices, warning
devices require an employee to react to the warning. The warning device should
be designed to minimize the probability of incorrect employee reaction.
Procedure
Control attempt to control a certain hazard by use of a procedure, this is the
least effective control measure because it relies on person fully following the
steps of the procedure. Lock-out and tag-out boundaries should be identified
and written on the JSA.
Other
method used to minimize employee exposure to hazard is the Personal Protective
Equipment, commonly known as PPE. It requires for the job or task will be
identified as part of the JSA. This step ensures and documents that the PPE
hazard assessment has been conducted.
As
noted, the PPEs can be a highly effective method for minimize exposure to a
hazards. However, you must be aware that the equipment does not eliminate the
hazard when used properly; it protects workers from the hazard that still
exist.
A
completed JSA is not effective until it is incorporated into the task through
employee training and management direction.
JSAs
are very helpful in planning jobs and should be reviewed with employees before
performing the task. One of the best uses of JSAs is for on-the-job training of
new employee.
Change
in personnel, processes, equipment, or materials can introduce new hazards that
may require JSAs to be revised.
Regardless
of the methods used, the supervisor or person in charge should encourage
everyone’s participation in the JSA process. Employee’s involvement helps
ensure a more thorough analysis by identifying and eliminating hazards that may
otherwise be overlooked. Employee involvement allows employees to establish
their own safe work practices.
