Do you need a way to improve safety accountability?

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), recommends a Job Hazard Analysis, sometimes referred to as a Job Safety Analysis, as a component of an organization’s safety commitment and defines as: “… a technique that focuses on job tasks as a way to identify hazards before they occur. It focuses on the relationship between the worker, the task, the tools, and the work environment. Ideally, after you identify uncontrolled hazards, you will take steps to eliminate or reduce them to an acceptable risk level.” At U.S. Utility Contractors Co. Inc, we have implemented a Job Safety Analysis (JSA) within our job sites as one way that we enhance safety protocols and improve safety accountability.

What jobs are appropriate for a job hazard analysis?

A job hazard analysis can be conducted in many jobs in your workplace. Priority should go to the following types of jobs:

Jobs with the highest injury or illness rates.
Jobs with the potential to cause severe or disabling injuries or illness, even if there is no history of previous accidents.
Jobs in which one simple human error could lead to a severe accident or injury.
Jobs that are new to your operation or have undergone changes in processes and procedures.
Jobs complex enough to require written instructions.

A Job Safety Analysis, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), is a detailed, systematic process examining each individual job task by breaking it down into specific components. This analysis targets potential hazards and identifies effective controls that can mitigate these risks. Using JSAs, we have eliminated several hazards that have enhanced workplace safety, such as potholing to verify the location of any underground facility. The evaluation process focuses on understanding the intricate connections between the worker, the task performed, the tools utilized, and the surrounding environment.

By rigorously identifying potential hazards associated with each job function, U S Utility Contractor Co. can take decisive steps to implement preventive measures that significantly reduce the likelihood of injuries or damage to other facilities. This proactive approach not only protects our employees but also enhances our overall productivity and morale. Furthermore, engaging in JSAs cultivates a culture of safety, where every team member feels empowered to contribute to workplace safety practices.

The adoption of Job Safety Analysis is not just a regulatory requirement but an investment in the health and well-being of our employees, ultimately leading to a more efficient and responsible workplace. Let’s prioritize safety and commit to integrating JSA into our daily operations for the benefit of everyone involved. JSA is your answer.

Completing a JSA is simple, but it is important to “know the job.” Here are six steps to consider when completing a JSA:

Select the job to be analyzed.
Break down the job into a sequence of steps.
Document each job task in the process, beginning each step with an action verb.
With each step in the process, ask the 5 W’s: “Who, What, Where, When, Why.”
Discuss all steps with the worker(s) performing the job task.
Collaborate with the worker(s) to review the job steps and confirm if the steps continue to be the safest and most effective methods.