The template
Job: · Location: · Date: · Prepared by: · Supervisor: · Permits required: · PPE required:
| # | Job step | Hazards | Risk (L × C) | Controls (hierarchy of control) | Residual risk | Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | ||||||
| 2 | ||||||
| 3 | ||||||
| 4 | ||||||
| 5 |
Worker sign-on (I have read and understood this JSA/SWMS and will work to it):
| Name | Signature | Date | Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
A filled example: replacing a conveyor gearbox
| # | Job step | Hazards | Risk | Controls | Residual | Responsible |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isolate conveyor | Unexpected start-up | High | Lockout-tagout; each worker's lock; test for dead | Low | Fitter |
| 2 | Lift gearbox (40 kg) | Manual handling; dropped load | High | Chain block rated 500 kg; exclusion zone; two-person lift to cradle | Low | Fitter + mate |
| 3 | Drain oil | Slip; skin contact | Medium | Drip tray; nitrile gloves; spill kit at job | Low | Fitter |
| 4 | Fit new gearbox | Pinch points; alignment | Medium | Guide pins; hands clear during lowering; torque to spec | Low | Fitter |
| 5 | Remove isolation and test | Start-up; guards off | High | Guards refitted and checked before locks removed; clear area; test run from control station | Low | Supervisor |
How do you write a JSA or SWMS?
- Break the job into steps, five to ten, in the order they are done. Too few hides hazards; too many loses the reader.
- For each step, ask what could hurt someone: energy sources, heights, moving parts, chemicals, manual handling, other work nearby.
- Rate the risk by likelihood and consequence using your site matrix.
- Choose controls from the top of the hierarchy down: eliminate, substitute, isolate, engineer, administrate, protect. Record the residual risk.
- Name who is responsible for each control being in place.
- Walk it through with the crew at the job and have everyone sign. Stop and revise if conditions change.
What is the difference between a JSA and a SWMS?
A JSA is a general hazard-analysis tool used in any industry. A SWMS is the specific document the Australian model WHS Regulations (reg. 299) require before high-risk construction work such as work at height over two metres, in confined spaces, near energised electrical installations or with mobile plant. It must identify the work, the hazards, the controls, and how controls will be implemented, monitored and reviewed, and be kept available at the site. Many sites use one template for both and add the SWMS fields when the work qualifies.
JSAs and daily management
A JSA written and filed is a form; a JSA reviewed at the pre-start and revised when the job changes is a control. The safety section of the Tier 1 huddle is where today's high-risk jobs and their JSAs are confirmed, where a near miss on a job triggers a review of its JSA, and where recurring hazards across JSAs become the safety actions on the board.
Step by step
- Break the job into steps. Five to ten, in order, with the crew.
- Identify hazards per step. Energy, height, moving parts, chemicals, handling, nearby work.
- Rate the risk. Likelihood times consequence on the site matrix.
- Select controls. From the top of the hierarchy of control; record residual risk and who is responsible.
- Brief and sign. Walk the crew through it at the job; everyone signs; revise if conditions change.
A worked example
A maintenance crew at a utilities site had a near miss when a conveyor started during a gearbox change: the JSA on file was three years old and said only 'isolate'. The revised JSA, written with the two fitters, split isolation into lockout, personal locks and test-for-dead, and added a supervisor check before locks were removed. It was briefed at the next pre-start, signed by the crew, and linked to the work order so it appears every time that job is scheduled.