Occupational Safety Specialist how-to
How to Conduct a Job Hazard Analysis
A JHA breaks a job into steps so hazards can be controlled before anyone gets hurt.
A JHA breaks a job into steps so hazards can be controlled before anyone gets hurt. In short: choose; involve; list, then complete the remaining steps below.
Step by step
Choose the task, prioritizing jobs with injuries, near-misses or high hazards.
Involve the workers who do the job.
List each step of the task in order.
Identify hazards for each step: struck-by, caught-in, falls, chemicals, ergonomics, electrical and more.
Select controls using the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administrate, then PPE.
Document the JHA and train workers on it.
Review and update it when the job, equipment or conditions change.
Safety reminders for occupational safety specialists
- Wear the same PPE required for the work areas you inspect
- Stop work when you see imminent danger
- Protect injured workers’ privacy in records and investigations
- Model safe behavior at all times: credibility depends on it
Key terms
OSHA · 29 CFR 1910 / 1926 · Job hazard analysis (JHA) · Hierarchy of controls · OSHA 300 log · Recordable incident: see the full occupational safety specialist glossary.