OSHA commonly uses the term Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), while many industries and employers use Job Safety Analysis (JSA). OSHA’s oil and gas eTool explicitly notes that the JSA process is also referred to as a JHA.
The core idea is the same: break the work into logical steps, identify what could go wrong at each step, and establish effective controls before the job is performed.
The four-part JSA/JHA workflow
- Select the job or task. Prioritize severe hazards, frequent incidents, new/non-routine work and jobs undergoing change.
- Break the job into steps. Use enough detail to expose hazards without turning every hand motion into a separate step.
- Identify hazards for each step. Consider energy, line of fire, chemicals, falls, struck-by/caught-between, ergonomics, environment, traffic and simultaneous work.
- Select controls. Use the hierarchy of controls and identify who is responsible for implementing critical controls.
A good JSA is more than a signature sheet
A weak JSA lists broad hazards such as “pinch points” and “PPE” without showing where the exposure occurs or what control prevents the event. A stronger analysis describes the actual condition, potential consequence and specific control.
Hazard: pinch point
Control: wear gloves
Step: align flange while suspended spool is supported.
Hazard: hand between mating flanges can be crushed if the spool shifts.
Control: keep hands out of the gap; use alignment tool; maintain positive load control; only designated signal person directs movement.
When should a JSA/JHA be reviewed?
Review it when the job changes, equipment or materials change, new hazards are identified, an incident or near miss reveals a weakness, or the existing analysis no longer matches how the work is actually performed. High-risk or non-routine tasks often benefit from a pre-job review even when a base JHA already exists.
How JSA/JHA fits with permits and procedures
A JSA is not a substitute for a required permit, written program, machine-specific LOTO procedure or qualified-person plan. It should connect those requirements to the task. For example, a confined-space JSA can identify line-of-fire and setup hazards, while the permit-space program and entry permit address the regulatory entry controls.
Primary sources
Use the current regulation and agency guidance for decisions about your workplace. These links were reviewed when this resource was published.
Important boundary
This resource is general educational information, not a legal determination that a particular OSHA, state-plan, DOT or other requirement applies to your company. Applicability depends on industry, jurisdiction, tasks, exposures, equipment, employee duties and other facts.