When to do a JSA
- Before non-routine or infrequent tasks.
- For tasks with a history of incidents or near misses.
- When a task, equipment or environment has changed.
- For high-risk work: working at height, confined spaces, energy isolation, hot work.
- Periodically for routine tasks, to check the standard still reflects the work.
How to do a job safety analysis
- Select the task and the people who do it.
- Break it into steps, in order, as it is actually done. Usually five to fifteen steps; too many and the analysis loses focus.
- Identify the hazards at each step: what could cause harm, to whom, and how. Look at energy sources, movement, substances, environment, people and equipment.
- Decide the controls for each hazard, preferring elimination and engineering controls over procedures and PPE (the hierarchy of controls).
- Record and review the JSA with a supervisor and the safety function.
- Brief the team before the task and keep the JSA at the work.
- Review after the task and after any incident or change.
A simple JSA template
| Step | Hazards | Controls | Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Isolate and lock out the conveyor | Stored energy, unexpected start | Lockout-tagout, verify zero energy | Operator, supervisor |
| 2. Remove guard | Sharp edges, pinch points | Cut-resistant gloves, two-person lift | Operator |
JSA, risk assessment and permit to work
A risk assessment looks at a process or area; a JSA looks at one task step by step. A permit to work is the authorisation for high-risk work and usually references the JSA. Many sites combine the JSA with a pre-start briefing or toolbox talk.
Common failures
- Written in an office by someone who has not done the task.
- Generic steps and controls copied between tasks.
- Filed and never read at the work.
- Not updated when the task changes.