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SAFETY MANAGEMENTthe observations are performed while the work is in progress.Workers and observers (often managers) also tend toexperience improved knowledge, communications and mutualunderstanding.Performing the Job Hazard AnalysisA JSA has three basic phases: 1) list the steps required tocomplete the job; 2) identify the hazards associated witheach step; and 3) develop solutions for controlling or eliminatingthe hazards.Phase 1 – List the job steps. Every job must be brokendown into distinct steps in the order of occurrence. Documentenough information to describe each step, but do notmake the breakdown too detailed. Try to limit the numberof job steps to 10 or fewer well-defined steps. Each stepwill consist of a set of movements. For example, “Pick upbox and place on hand truck” or “Push hand truck to storagearea.” All steps should start with an action word — e.g.,push, pull, lift, move, carry, insert, tighten, etc. Review thesteps with experienced workers to ensure they are completeand descriptive.Phase 2 – Identify the hazards. Each step should be examinedto discover any existing or potential hazards. Whenlisting hazards, don’t just list the obvious hazards; list everyconceivable hazard that could reasonably cause an accident.Be sure to include health hazards, even though the potentialharmful effects may not be immediate.Phase 3 – Determine how to control or eliminate the hazard.Hazards must be reviewed and recommendations madeto eliminate or control them. Hazards can often be minimizedby: changing the sequence of steps; modifying or changingthe tools, machines, equipment or materials; implementingengineering controls; installing guards; changing methods;providing personal protective equipment; etc. In brief, whatwill make the job safer to perform? Be specific. Say exactlywhat needs to be done to correct the hazard, such as “lift usingyour leg muscles.” Do not use general statements like “becareful.” Provide a recommendation for each hazard. Also,list recommended safe operating procedures and appropriatepersonal protective equipment.Whatever JSA method is used the analysis should be properlydocumented (see www.maricopa.gov/safety/jsa_library.aspfor completed samples). Completed JSAs should be reviewedby managers, workers and the safety coordinators to ensurethat nothing has been overlooked. Executive managementor safety managers should approve any results that will becomepart of the safety program. Once approved, the JSAdocuments should be shared with all managers, foremen andsupervisors to ensure they are aware of established companyprocedures for specific jobs. Effective toolbox talks canbe created by selecting JSAs appropriate to a given jobsite.Workers tend to take great interest in training that is directlyrelated to what they are doing.Time and time again, job safety analysis has proven to be aneffective means of preventing accidents by finding and eliminatingor controlling hazards before the job is performed.JSAs can be used to train/retrain employees and foremen andto give pre-job instructions. It can help managers and supervisorsdevelop and improve job methods and procedures,not just in the area of safety, but often in other areas like productionand quality control. Its greatest value is in standardizingwork methods and safe operating procedures.For further information about how to complete a JSA,refer to OSHA’s Publication #3071 (www.osha.gov/Publications/osha3071.html).George Kennedy is NUCA Vice President of Safety.June 2009 | Utility Contractor 33National Utility Contractors Association