At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Define "hazard"
- Define "job hazard analysis"
- Identify the importance of the job hazard analysis process
- Describe how to perform a job hazard analysis
- Describe how to control hazards
- Identify when to review the job hazard analysis
The following key questions are answered in this module:
Does OSHA offer any JHA-related resources?
Yes. Check out this publication about JHAs and this hazard identification website, which are both from OSHA.
What is a job hazard analysis (JHA)?
A process in which people study a job to identify hazards before they cause harm.
For which jobs should one perform a job hazard analysis?
Ideally, for all jobs. But if you must do some first, focus on jobs: with high rates of injuries or illnesses, with risks of high rates of injuries and illnesses, that are new or have changed, or that are complex.
What is the process of performing a job hazard analysis?
Break the job down into different tasks, identify hazards of each task, write up hazard scenarios, think of how to control the hazards, write hazard information down on JHA form.
How many times should a JHA be done?
How many times should a job hazard analysis be done?
Don't do a JHA just once. Instead, after doing it once, review it periodically or when the job changes, when there is a near-miss incident, or when a hazard causes an injury, illness, death, or property damage.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
The following is a sample hazard scenario for a machine press operator, and the hazard of a cutting a hand. Where? The hazard occurs in the machine press room in front of the machine. What? The sharp edge of the metal sheet can harm the operator. How? By cutting the hand of the machine operator. This is a result of the sharp edge of the metal sheet. But another contributing factor is that the operator sometimes works quickly and doesn't look closely at what he's doing. Consequences? The operator can receive a significant cut as a result and perhaps even get an infection.
Use the additional resources and links below to learn more about this topic:
- Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) – www.osha.gov
- OSHA Safety & Health Topics - https://www.osha.gov/dsg/topics/safetyhealth/recognition.html
- OSHA eTools - https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/safetyhealth/comp2.html
- OSHA Publications - https://www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.pdf
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – www.cdc.gov/niosh/
- NIOSH Research Programs - http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/programs/wrt/pdfs/Example-Safety-Program.pdf