One of the best ways to protect workers in a particular job is to conduct a job hazard analysis (JHA). This simple but powerful technique identifies hazards before they occur by focusing on the relationships among the worker, the task, the tools and equipment, and the work environment.
Once you identify job hazards, you can eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level. Priority should go to jobs with the highest injury or illness rates, those that could cause severe or disabling injuries through simple human error, jobs complex enough to require written instructions, or work that has changed in processes and procedures.
For businesses that also need industry-specific insurance information, see Safety Inspector Insurance for an example of coverage types that may apply in safety-sensitive roles.
Job hazard analysis involves these steps:
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Involve employees.
Employees’ on-the-job knowledge can be invaluable for finding hazards and practical controls. Involving workers reduces oversights, improves the quality of the analysis, and increases worker buy-in for the solutions.
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Review accident history.
Examine workplace records of accidents, occupational illnesses, near misses, and equipment damage. These data indicate where existing controls may be inadequate and deserve closer attention.
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Conduct a preliminary job review.
Talk with employees about known hazards and brainstorm ways to eliminate or control them. If any hazard presents an immediate danger to life or health, take immediate action to protect the worker.
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List, rank, and set priorities.
Make a list of jobs with unacceptable risks and rank them by likelihood and potential severity of harm. Tackle the highest-priority jobs first.
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Outline steps or tasks.
Break the job into discrete tasks or steps by watching the employee perform the work and recording each action. Record enough detail to describe each step without becoming unnecessarily long, and review the steps with the employee to ensure nothing is omitted.
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Identify hazards.
For each step, list the hazards you observed and any additional hazards raised by the employee. Use these findings to develop controls that eliminate or reduce risk.
Jobs in high-risk industries often require extra attention; for example, specialized trades may have tailored coverage and considerations—see Roofing Contractors/Occupational Disease for an illustration of trade-specific concerns. After completing the analysis, document the controls and training needed, and schedule periodic reviews to confirm controls remain effective.
If you want assistance applying analysis outcomes to coverage or next steps, you can ask your agent to review controls and insurance implications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a job hazard analysis?
A job hazard analysis breaks a job into steps, identifies hazards at each step, and develops controls to eliminate or reduce risk.
Who should participate in a JHA?
The best results come from a team that includes the employee who does the work, a supervisor, and a safety representative if available.
How often should a JHA be updated?
Update a JHA whenever processes, equipment, or materials change, or after an incident or near miss suggests controls were inadequate.
Which jobs should be prioritized for JHA?
Prioritize jobs with high injury rates, potential for severe harm, complexity that requires written procedures, or recent process changes.