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Course 706 - Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)


Improve the JHA Process

Regularly analyze the JHA process.


Periodically reviewing your job hazard analysis ensures that it remains current and continues to help reduce workplace accidents and injuries. Even if the job has not changed, it is possible that during the review process you will identify hazards that were not identified in the initial analysis.

It is particularly important to review your job hazard analysis if an illness or injury occurs on a specific job. Based on the circumstances, you may determine that you need to change the job procedure to prevent similar incidents in the future. If an employee's failure to follow proper job procedures results in a "close call," discuss the situation with all employees who perform the job and remind them of proper procedures.

  • It may also be possible that the problem is with the procedure. Maybe it needs to be changed. Talk with employees about their reasons for the apparent unsafe behavior. You might be surprised to learn they have been "trapped" into doing the task that way.
  • On the other hand, discipline may be appropriate if the safety management system has not failed the employee (the employer is meeting all safety obligations).


1. What would be the best response by a supervisor if a worker, using proper Job Hazard Analysis procedures, has a "close call" incident?

a. Terminate the worker immediately
b. Review JHA procedures with workers and revise as needed
c. Remind all employees to use proper procedures
d. Tell the safety manager

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Consultants can be very helpful.

Hiring a Professional to Conduct JHA

If your employees are involved in many different or complex processes, you may need professional help conducting your job hazard analyses. Sources of help include your insurance company, the local fire department, and private consultants with safety and health expertise. Some state OSHA agencies may offer assistance through consultation services.


2. Which of the following statements is FALSE regarding using third-party consultants to help conduct Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs)?

a. Employees need not be involved in the JHAs
b. Be ready to implement consultant JHA recommendations
c. They are important when analyzing complex processes
d. Sources of help may include insurance companies

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Tips to Improve the JHA

Nathan Crutchfield: JHA vs JSA

Ergonomics. To improve the JHAs and its related SJP, think about the "ergonomics" of the job. Find ways to further reduce lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, throwing, holding, twisting, or tasks using force. A SJP should remove any unnecessary actions and prevent the need to do things more than once if possible. There should be as little heavy carrying as possible and also include rest breaks if needed. If feasible, provide mechanical aids such as hoists, adjustable workbenches, and hooks. Make sure tools and equipment are position so that they are in easy reach.

Subject Matter Experts (SME). A solid JHA improvement process will make good use of the experience and knowledge of workers and subject matter experts (SMEs) various safety and health specialties to review the tasks and identify new hazards. SMEs provide a level of involvement as experts in their field. They can effectively review the tasks and the hazards identified to determine the proper set of controls required. Workers and SMEs can also help improve the methods to communicate instructions or procedures.


3. To improve the JHA, each of the following is important to consider EXCEPT _____.

a. disciplinary action for noncompliance
b. the ergonomics of the task
c. the use of subject matter experts
d. the training needed

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Take a Team Approach


To further improve the quality of your JHA program, you may want to establish a formal JHA Team.

The JHA Team membership might consist of:

  • the first line supervisor, or designee, of the affected area as Team Leader
  • non-exempt employees experienced in the job that the JHA will be conducted on. If this is a new type of task experienced employees will probably not be available.
  • additional subject matter expert resources as needed to evaluate the task, including, but not limited to the area safety engineer, industrial hygienist, safety manager, fire protection, emergency preparedness coordinator, or safety observer, etc.

4. Who is not likely to be a member of a job hazard analysis team?

a. First-line supervisors
b. Experienced non-exempt employees
c. Upper-level management
d. Subject matter experts (SME)

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Team Responsibilities

The JHA Team might be responsible for:

  • developing a JHA by defining the key steps of each job, identifying the potential hazards of each key step and recommending safe practices (e.g., engineering controls, administrative controls, etc.) to eliminate or reduce each hazard/exposure
  • conducting the JHA for the selected process or activity by discussing and completing each of the sections on the JHA form
  • recommending any changes required to facilitate personnel safety; including, but not limited to, specific procedures, policies, equipment, training, etc., that may be involved
  • providing the appropriate manager with a completed copy of the JHA

5. JHA team responsibilities include all of the following, EXCEPT _____.

a. Defining key steps in the JHA
b. Completing each section of the JHA form
c. Enforcing JHA procedures
d. Recommending changes in JHA steps

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